Colin Braun, a prominent figure in endurance and sports car racing, will make his debut with Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 25 Ram 1500 during the historic street course event on Saturday, February 28, at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series fans can anticipate an exciting blend of road course experience and stock car strategy as Braun joins the rotating roster in the newly relaunched Ram-backed effort.
Ram’s Rotating Driver Initiative Highlights Return to NASCAR
Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program has brought new energy to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series through a unique format that features a different driver each week in the No. 25 Ram 1500. This initiative marks Ram’s return to the series after more than a decade away, with stars like Tony Stewart and Ty Dillon already taking the wheel this season. The combination of established icons and fresh talent aims to engage fans by mixing legendary proficiency with emerging drivers from various racing backgrounds.
Braun’s Perspective on the Opportunity
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, especially on such a cool weekend when they debut in St. Pete,”
Braun said.
“Ram’s program offers a fantastic opportunity to mix my endurance background with oval and street course racing. I’m thrilled Ram is giving me this chance. I have seen how much work the Kaulig crew is putting into getting this program started up, and giving them a great result would repay them for the hard work!”
– Colin Braun, Driver
NASCAR Truck Series Prepares for Its First-Ever Street Course Challenge
The upcoming race in St. Petersburg stands out as the first time the Truck Series will compete on a street circuit. Located on Florida’s 1.8-mile downtown waterfront track, the event is part of the Firestone Grand Prix festivities, which also showcase a doubleheader with the IndyCar Series. This new challenge presents a significant test for stock car drivers, particularly those with road racing strengths like Braun.
Braun’s Racing Background and Track Record
Colin Braun, originally from Ovalo, Texas, launched his career with instant sports car achievements, capturing a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans at only 17. He transitioned to NASCAR stock car racing with Roush Fenway Racing, earning the Truck Series Rookie of the Year, multiple pole positions—including at Daytona—and celebrated his only series win at Michigan International Speedway in 2009. Between 2007 and 2010, Braun also ventured into the NASCAR Nationwide Series, collecting poles and a notable top-five finish before shifting his focus to endurance racing full time.
Since then, Braun has built a standout career in IMSA, winning three WeatherTech SportsCar Championship titles and tallying more than two dozen wins. He owns four victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, including an overall GTP class triumph in 2023, and accolades in the Asian Le Mans Series, as well as class wins at Le Mans and Spa.
The 2026 Kaulig Racing Lineup and Team Ambitions
For the 2026 season, Kaulig Racing fields five full-time Ram entries, serving as Ram’s principal partner for the Truck Series campaign. Braun will race alongside drivers such as Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell, the latter earning his seat through Ram’s “Race for the Seat” competition. The team’s robust presence supports the collective ambition to make a mark in their debut Truck Series season, with a strategy rooted in teamwork and competitive spirit.
How to Watch the St. Petersburg Race
This major occasion for both Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series supporters and open wheel fans draws attention to a new era for the series, as established names like Kyle Busch, recent pole winner Garcia, and others converge in Florida. The 80-lap event will be televised live by Fox at noon ET, promising high-octane competition on the streets of St. Petersburg.
Anticipated Impact of Braun’s Debut
Braun’s diverse racing resume and familiarity with multiple disciplines bring added intrigue to his Kaulig Racing debut, as the team pushes to establish itself in partnership with Ram. The Truck Series’ first foray onto a street course may set a precedent for future events, while offering fans and participants like Braun, Daniel Dye, Queen, Tyrrell, Tony Stewart, and Ty Dillon the chance to make NASCAR history along the Florida waterfront.
