Kaulig Racing is making waves in the NASCAR community by officially launching a major expansion in the NASCAR Truck Series for 2026, marking the return of RAM Trucks to the competition for the first time since 2012. The Kaulig Racing Truck Series Expansion includes five trucks, with confirmed drivers such as Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley committing to full-time positions, while other seats will feature rotating talents and emerging stars.
The fourth truck in the lineup will see a rotation of skilled drivers, starting with Tony Stewart at the wheel. The fifth spot is set aside for the emerging champion of the fresh reality competition, ‘RAM: Race For The Seat’. This ambitious scale-up positions Kaulig Racing alongside RAM Trucks as they re-enter the scene with determination and fanfare.
“Kaulig Racing Names Crew Chiefs for Inaugural Truck Season with RAM.”
– Joseph Srigley, Journalist
Meet the Crew Chiefs Steering Each Kaulig Entry
For the 2026 season, the assignment of crew chiefs solidifies the backbone of each truck’s operation. Dan Stillman is charted as crew chief for Daniel Dye’s No. 10 RAM 1500, while Brenden Queen’s No. 13 RAM 1500 benefits from the experience of Eddie Pardue. Bruce Cook has been brought in to command the No. 14 RAM 1500 entry. Veteran Mike Hillman Jr. is set to partner with Justin Haley behind the No. 16 RAM 1500. Rounding out the roster, Alex Yontz will take control as crew chief for the No. 25 RAM 1500.
Team owner Matt Kaulig emphasized the bold ambitions and scale of the effort, reflecting the shared vision between Kaulig Racing and RAM Trucks.
“I know Ram doesn’t do anything small, as you can see by the dealerships and everything else, and I know at Kaulig Racing, we don’t do anything small. So when we’re going into the truck series, we’re not going to kind of silently come in or just kind of tiptoe our way in. We’re doing it big.”
– Matt Kaulig, Team Owner
Major Events and Viewing Options for the 2026 Season
The new era kicks off with the Fresh From Florida 250, taking place on February 13, 2026, at the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway. Fans eager to experience the energy and drama of Kaulig Racing’s expanded effort can tune in on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with full coverage also available on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The season promises heightened competition and fresh narratives fueled by new partnerships and racing talent.
Reality Competition ‘Race For The Seat’ Connects Dana White and NASCAR
Adding another layer to the Kaulig Racing Truck Series Expansion is the innovative reality series ‘RAM: Race For The Seat.’ UFC CEO Dana White joined forces with RAM Trucks and Kaulig Racing to create this original show, which followed 15 aspiring racers as they competed across celebrated tracks like Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway for a chance at the fifth driver slot.
“Ram is an iconic American brand, and I’m excited to partner up with them for their new reality series, ‘Race For The Seat,’” White said in a statement. “This reality show is all about finding up-and-coming drivers and giving them a massive platform. The best always rise to the top in this type of competition. We are going to find the next generation of superstars for the NASCAR truck series.”
– Dana White, UFC CEO
The eight-episode contest debuted on FOX on January 25, with new episodes airing through early February, produced in collaboration with Thrill Sports Productions. The winner will earn a coveted seat driving one of Kaulig’s RAM 1500s in 2026, blending entertainment and high-stakes opportunity for emerging talent.
Significance for Kaulig Racing, Drivers, and NASCAR Fans
Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series strategy brings together seasoned drivers, promising rookies, and influential partners, amplifying anticipation for the 2026 NASCAR season. By securing crew chiefs with extensive experience, the team signals its intent to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, the partnership with Dana White and the reality competition provide new paths for drivers to enter the sport, broadening NASCAR’s audience and potential star pool.
The Kaulig Racing Truck Series Expansion, aligning with RAM’s celebrated return and ambitious programming, is set to transform both the team’s future and the broader truck racing landscape as the 2026 season approaches. With major personalities such as Matt Kaulig, Dana White, and the selected crew chiefs and drivers at the core, all eyes are on Daytona and the years ahead to see just how big Kaulig and RAM can go.
