Kaulig Racing has announced a significant multi-race partnership with CELSIUS as the primary sponsor of its NASCAR Cup and Truck Series entries for the 2026 season. The Kaulig Racing 2026 NASCAR sponsorship will be showcased prominently with AJ Allmendinger in the No. 16 Chevrolet during nine Cup Series events, starting with the Daytona 500 and concluding at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
CELSIUS Takes Lead Role on AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 in the Cup Series
Beginning February 15 at the Daytona International Speedway, CELSIUS will be featured as the main sponsor on Allmendinger’s car, marking its return for an expanded role. The sponsorship includes some of NASCAR’s biggest races, with scheduled appearances at the Circuit of the Americas on March 1, Texas Motor Speedway on May 3, Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, Pocono Raceway on June 14, Naval Base Coronado street race on June 21, Chicagoland Speedway on July 5, Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 4, and the Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8.
This deal continues CELSIUS’s partnership with Kaulig Racing, ensuring their presence remains strong as the team aims for top results throughout the upcoming season. In addition, the team revealed a nod to racing history for the Daytona 500: Allmendinger’s No. 16 will carry Greg Biffle’s distinctive number font as a tribute.
“[Celsius] will have nine primary races on [AJ Allmendinger]’s No. 16! The first will be the [Daytona 500] and the ninth will be The Chase finale at Homestead!”
Other sponsors joining Allmendinger in 2026 include LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Action Industries, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, and Campers Inn RV. Past seasons have featured unique paint schemes with brands such as Big Sipz and Black’s Tire Service at special events in Sonoma, Richmond, and Darlington.
Justin Haley and the CELSIUS Partnership in the Truck Series
In addition to its Cup Series focus, CELSIUS will serve as the primary sponsor for Justin Haley’s No. 16 Ram 1500 truck in five events across the NASCAR Truck Series. This renewed multi-year collaboration builds on a relationship established in 2021, when CELSIUS became the team’s Official Energy Drink. Team owner Matt Kaulig emphasized the significance of the continued partnership for both Allmendinger and Haley in the coming season.
“We’re thrilled to have CELSIUS back as a cornerstone partner,” Kaulig said in a team release.
Haley’s No. 16 truck will sport CELSIUS’s branding at the following tracks: Daytona International Speedway (February 13), Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (February 28), Texas Motor Speedway (May 1), Kansas Speedway (September 26), and the Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (November 6).
Expansion of Kaulig’s National Series Efforts and Notable Entries
Kaulig Racing is set to field five Ram trucks as its national series presence grows, marking the return of the Ram brand to NASCAR for the first time since 2012. The diverse lineup will include full-time drives for Brenden Queen and Daniel Dye, while a rotating Free Agent Driver Program will share one truck. The last seat will be filled by the winner of Ram’s ‘Race for the Seat’ reality competition, showcasing new talent within the sport.
Highlighting the season opener at Daytona, former Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will make his return to the Truck Series at the wheel for Kaulig Racing, adding to a roster of experience and anticipation for the campaign.
What This Means for Kaulig Racing and Its Partners
The multi-faceted Kaulig Racing 2026 NASCAR sponsorship, featuring CELSIUS across both Cup and Truck Series programs and involving AJ Allmendinger and Justin Haley, signals continued investment and growth for the team. The involvement of high-profile sponsors and partnerships, coupled with the return of iconic figures like Tony Stewart and a focus on emerging talent, suggests that Kaulig Racing is aiming to cement its status as a major force across NASCAR’s top tiers as the new season approaches.
.@CelsiusOfficial will have nine primary races on @AJDinger’s No. 16!
The first will be the #Daytona500 and the ninth will be The Chase finale at Homestead! ⚡ https://t.co/LcBoFofsOw pic.twitter.com/TDnknIiEB1
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) January 26, 2026
Something everyone wanted to see. 🙌
Kaulig Racing will pay tribute to Greg Biffle with his iconic numeric font on AJ Allmendinger's No. 16 car in the #Daytona500! pic.twitter.com/NmEyfOEddp
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) January 22, 2026
