Mini Tyrell has emerged as the champion of the Race for the Seat reality competition, earning a coveted full-time driving assignment with Kaulig Racing’s No. 15 RAM 1500 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Announced by Kaulig Trucks on X, this milestone appointment sets Tyrell, age 21, among the select group of drivers in one of NASCAR’s premier truck events for the upcoming 2026 season.
Tyrell Rises to the Top in Intense Selection Competition
The Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series entry was open to 15 hopefuls, with Tyrell prevailing through a rigorous series of road course and oval track races. Contestants navigated challenges involving Legends cars and go-karts, while off-track assessments aimed to evaluate their personality, stamina, and leadership abilities. Tyrell’s well-rounded performance ultimately secured him the highly sought-after seat.
Kaulig Trucks made the congratulatory announcement, stating,
“MiniTyrrell has done it! The first-ever @racefortheseat winner will drive our No. 14 @RamTrucks 1500 full-time in 2026 in @NASCAR_Trucks!”
After Tyrell, Carson Ferguson finished as the contest’s runner-up, winning $50,000 for his triumph in the event’s final contest. Tyrell will join a full-time Kaulig Racing lineup that features Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley for the 2026 campaign.
Star-studded Driver Roster and Daytona Opener
Kaulig Racing plans to expand its competitive footprint by fielding a No. 25 truck with a rotating list of acclaimed drivers. The multi-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will kick things off, steering the No. 25 truck in the prestigious season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Tyrell, who previously qualified to compete at Daytona in the ARCA Menards Series, will now draw significant attention as he gears up for the Fresh From Florida event on February 14. This much-anticipated race will be broadcast live on FS1 at 7:30 pm ET and covered on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Kaulig Racing Confirms 2026 Crew Chiefs Lineup
Ahead of Tyrell’s final victory in the Race for the Seat, Kaulig Racing outlined the experts set to oversee their Truck Series teams for 2026. These strategic crew chief appointments reflect a blend of proven leadership and vast racing experience.
Daniel Dye, in command of the No. 10 truck, will collaborate with Dan Stillman—a veteran with five wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and a substantial background across the Cup, Xfinity (NOAPS), and Truck Series disciplines, totaling over 390 events.
For the No. 12 entry, Brenden Queen is paired with Eddie Pardue, who has managed more than 430 national series races and worked with Queen in select O’Reilly races last season. Justin Haley, another premier Kaulig name, will look to add to his accolades with the guidance of Mike Hillman Jr., who boasts 23 Truck Series wins and two championships (both with Todd Bodine in 2006 and 2010) over his 438-race career.
Alex Yontz will mentor the crew supporting the No. 25 truck as Tony Stewart prepares for Daytona, while Bruce Cook is entrusted with the No. 14 team supporting Mini Tyrell’s full-time role.
What This Means for Kaulig Racing and Fans
Kaulig Racing’s latest moves, culminating with Mini Tyrell’s elevation to the No. 15 RAM 1500, demonstrate the team’s commitment to nurturing talent through merit-based competition. With a blend of proven champions like Tony Stewart, rising stars like Tyrell, and an expert set of crew chiefs, Kaulig is poised to make an impact in the Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series next year. Racing fans and industry watchers alike will be tracking Tyrell and his teammates as they take on a highly anticipated season in 2026.
