Kaulig Racing is set to launch its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series campaign at Daytona International Speedway, assembling a high-profile roster of drivers and signaling renewed excitement for both the team and the return of Ram to the series. The team’s star power and optimism have made “Kaulig Racing Daytona Truck Series” a buzzworthy topic ahead of the race, with drivers and crew expressing enthusiasm and anticipation for the season opener.
Veterans and Rising Stars Align for Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing’s entry into the Truck Series at Daytona features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, all representing the organization and Ram’s reemergence in the sport. Notably, Tony Stewart is making headlines as he joins the field after conversations with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, marking a significant return to NASCAR action for the motorsports legend.
Discussing the opportunity with his wife, Stewart described the initial conversation that reignited his racing ambitions:
“She looked at me like I had three heads. It took a little bit of convincing to show her I was serious about it. I think even (Tim) wasn’t really sure 100% if I was serious in that first conversation. But I told her when we went back to the hotel that night, ‘I think it would be really cool to do a one-off race and get your feet wet again.’”
– Tony Stewart, Driver
Stewart sees the partnership between Ram and Kaulig Racing as a pivotal chance for veteran drivers:
“I think the program Ram created—to give guys like myself an opportunity to come in and do a race or two—is a unique opportunity that just isn’t out there for everybody. To have that opportunity and to see the amount of excitement we’ve heard since the initial announcement…the excitement from our fans has been incredible.”
– Tony Stewart, Driver
Daniel Dye Returns to Hometown Roots
Daniel Dye’s participation in the Kaulig Racing Daytona Truck Series effort marks a homecoming for the young driver, who is eager to start the season at Daytona International Speedway, his home track. Dye connects his current role to childhood experiences with Ram vehicles, saying:
“I’m ready to not only kick off the season at my home track of Daytona International Speedway, but to do it in a Ram 1500. Some of my earliest memories involve going to and from school and baseball practice in my dad’s Ram pickup. It’s an honor to be one of the drivers representing Ram.”
– Daniel Dye, Driver
Although Daytona has presented challenges in previous attempts, Dye remains optimistic about his prospects alongside his teammates:
“I haven’t had the best luck at Daytona, despite it being my home track, but this year feels special, and I’m really excited to welcome them back into the sport along with my four teammates.”
– Daniel Dye, Driver
Brenden Butterbean Queen Steps Up to Full-Time Truck Campaign
Brenden Queen, affectionately known as Butterbean, is realizing a long-held dream with his first full season in one of NASCAR’s top divisions. Representing Kaulig Racing, Ram, and Cummins is a milestone for the driver, who expressed his excitement at joining the organization:
“I’m super excited to finally break through with my first full season in one of NASCAR’s top three series, something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and at times, thought it might not happen. This is such a cool moment, something you dream of, especially representing Kaulig Racing, Ram, Cummins, and everybody involved. Little Butterbean would be freaking out right now.”
– Brenden Queen, Driver
Queen’s recent victory at Daytona in the ARCA Menards Series gives him added confidence as he returns to the superspeedway:
“Going back to Daytona to kick off the season is super exciting. Last year, I won there in the ARCA Menards Series, which is what really put me in the spotlight. Having Derek Kneeland spotting for me again is a game-changer, and I think we can go there and at least have a shot, no matter what.”
– Brenden Queen, Driver
Queen credits the welcoming culture at Kaulig Racing, highlighting the energy fueling the team’s debut:
“I’ve got a great group of teammates, and everybody at Kaulig Racing has welcomed me like I’ve been here for years. The energy in the building is incredible, and being part of a new truck team in the series and Ram coming back is history I get to help make.”
– Brenden Queen, Driver
Mini Tyrrell Ready for a Big Leap at Daytona
For Mini Tyrrell, the Daytona Truck Series opener marks his inaugural start at the national level and his first experience on a superspeedway. Tyrrell explained his nerves about the learning curve, stating:
“It’s definitely nerve-wracking heading into my first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start, especially at a place like Daytona where everything is new for me. I’ve never raced on a superspeedway before, so learning how the air works and how these trucks race in a pack will be a learning curve.”
– Mini Tyrrell, Driver
Tyrrell has leaned on the support of Queen and Dye for preparation. He credits his teammates for helping him adapt:
“The biggest thing for me this weekend is just absorbing as much information as possible, and I’m really grateful to be doing that with Kaulig Racing. Brendan [Queen] has helped me a ton with what to expect in the race and how things are going to feel, and I’ve worked closely with Daniel [Dye] as well. They have been instrumental in helping me get comfortable on pit road, from speed zones to learning the digital dashboard, which is something I’ve never used before.”
– Mini Tyrrell, Driver
Understanding the unpredictable nature of Daytona, Tyrrell hopes to remain composed and finish strong in his debut:
“Having a team like this around me gives me a lot of confidence heading into such a big moment. At Daytona, survival is everything — staying out of trouble, being smart, and putting myself in position to learn and finish the race. If I can do that, I’ll consider it a successful first weekend with Kaulig Racing.”
– Mini Tyrrell, Driver
Justin Haley Returns with Ambition
Justin Haley’s return to Kaulig Racing is viewed as a homecoming, reigniting his motivation as he embarks on a new chapter and seeks his first Truck Series win at Daytona.
“I’m thrilled to be back at Kaulig Racing, a place that felt like home to me for so many years. This new season marks big changes both in my professional and personal life. I think I’ll really take quite a bit of pride in this truck series program. I want nothing more than to win Ram’s first race at Daytona.”
– Justin Haley, Driver
Haley acknowledges the unique challenge of winning at Daytona in the Truck Series, noting the effort required for a fresh team with a new manufacturer:
“The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is the only series I haven’t gotten a win at in Daytona, so this is really a bucket list item with me, especially with Kaulig Racing. I don’t think people realize how much goes into starting with a new manufacturer and not being an established truck series team already. Everyone at Kaulig Racing has been working at a rapid pace building trucks, so I’m going to do my part and make them proud.”
– Justin Haley, Driver
A New Chapter for Kaulig Racing and Ram at Daytona
Kaulig Racing’s arrival in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, paired with Ram’s return and a veteran-led driver lineup, sets a high-energy tone for the campaign. The team culture, anticipation from fans, and the personal journeys of drivers like Tony Stewart, Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, Mini Tyrrell, and Justin Haley establish a unique foundation for the season.
The Daytona opener is poised to be a pivotal event, with drivers eager to represent Kaulig Racing and Ram on one of stock car racing’s most iconic stages. As the team embarks on this new challenge, their enthusiasm is matched only by the fanfare and expectations surrounding their ambitious debut, promising an impactful season in the truck series.
