Kaulig Racing has announced 15 drivers set to compete in a new reality program, “Race for the Seat,” which will decide the final driver for its RAM entry in the 2026 Kaulig Racing Truck Series reality competition. The series marks a collaborative effort between the North Carolina-based team and RAM, aiming to fill the last available seat in their upcoming debut season.
The partnership between RAM and Kaulig Racing began last year, laying the groundwork for the team’s participation in the 2026 Truck Series. While four drivers have already been selected, the coveted spot in the #14 RAM truck remains open, with its occupant to be determined through this reality competition. The show is designed as an eight-episode contest, featuring 15 rising talents who will face ten different challenges to prove they deserve a place on the 2026 roster.
Competition Structure and Broadcast Details
The “Race for the Seat” reality program is set to premiere on January 25, 2026, on FOX Sports. The initial episode will be available on the network, while subsequent episodes will be accessible through RAM’s official YouTube channel. The show promises intense action and drama, as the group of aspiring drivers tackles both physical and mental trials across various renowned tracks, including the Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway in Virginia.
Executive Production and Featured Personalities
To ensure wide appeal and high production quality, Kaulig Racing and RAM have teamed up with high-profile executive producers, including UFC CEO Dana White and Thrill Sports Productions. Commentary will be provided by Dana White as well as Tim Kuniskis, Matt Kaulig, and Chris Rice, each bringing their distinctive expertise and perspectives to the broadcast, further enhancing the competitive atmosphere and storytelling for viewers.
Kaulig Racing’s Approach to Multiple OEMs in NASCAR
Kaulig Racing is set to make history as the first NASCAR team to run two different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) under the series’ single governing body. In the 2026 season, their Cup Series entries will continue with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, while the Truck Series campaign will mark their debut with RAM vehicles. This dual-manufacturer approach demonstrates a strategic effort to balance longstanding tradition with innovative opportunities.
Team president Chris Rice discussed this delicate balance during an August 2025 interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass. Rice highlighted how the team has maintained close ties with Chevrolet since its inaugural appearance in the Cup Series and explained the careful communication required to preserve positive relationships with both partners.
“Yeah, well, so we’ve had meetings with Chevrolet, and, you know, I mean, it’s like anything, right? You don’t; we don’t run Chevrolets and XFINITY and Cup, so you got to, kind of. We just told it, you know; we told them why, what, when, and why we needed to do this. And, like, the biggest thing was, is, like, you know, Chevy has been with us for a while. That OEM partner has been there with us for a long time.” [00:05 onwards]
— Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing President
“We don’t want to disrespect them at all, because we need them, just like, you know, hopefully they need us, right? So, long story short, I think they went fine. They got to do what they have to do for their OEM, and we needed to do what we need to do… Not a tier one, not a tier one,” Rice added.
— Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing President
Confirmed Truck Series Drivers and Team Plans for 2026
In advance of the reality show’s outcome, Kaulig Racing has already revealed the drivers for three of its five RAM trucks. Brendan “Butterbean” Queen will take the wheel of the #12 truck, Daniel Dye has been selected for the #10 entry, and Justin Haley is set to drive the #16 RAM. The #25 truck is planned as a rotating seat, featuring various free agents throughout the season, providing flexibility and opportunities for additional drivers to participate alongside the show’s winner.
Looking Ahead to the Debut Truck Series Season
The “Race for the Seat” initiative not only spotlights new talent but also highlights Kaulig Racing’s ambition as it enters the competitive environment of the Truck Series. By involving figures like Dana White, Tim Kuniskis, Matt Kaulig, and Chris Rice as executive producers and commentators, the show aims to draw a wide audience. With episodes set across notable tracks in Virginia and beyond, and with direct involvement from high-level sports executives, the series could set a new standard for driver recruitment and fan engagement in NASCAR.
As the team balances allegiances with both Chevy and RAM, the outcome of this reality program will help shape the future direction of Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series and demonstrate new possibilities for collaboration in the world of professional motorsport.
Here are the 15 drivers competing for a spot in the #NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with @Kaulig_Trucks and @racefortheseat:
Austin Beers
Mike Christopher, Jr.
Mini Tyrrell
Cody Kelley
Casey Kelley
Carson Ferguson
Kade Brown
Ryan Gemmell
Chase Burrow
Jonathan Cash
Tanner Reif… pic.twitter.com/TOwTc6UbCp— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) January 10, 2026
