Corey LaJoie will compete for Kaulig Racing in the No. 25 Ram 1500 during the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Darlington Raceway on March 20, joining the lineup as part of Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program. This appearance at Darlington brings LaJoie together with Kaulig Racing and highlights Ram’s high-profile return to NASCAR following more than a decade away from the sport, placing the Corey LaJoie Kaulig Racing Darlington partnership in the national spotlight.
Ram Welcomes Drivers Back to NASCAR with Rotating Program
Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program is pivotal as the automaker makes its first NASCAR appearance in 13 years, inviting a rotating selection of drivers, from highly experienced veterans to up-and-coming talents, to drive the No. 25 Ram 1500 truck throughout the 2026 season. NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart ignited this initiative at the season opener in Daytona, setting the tone for a year of dynamic team changes and showcasing various talents.
In subsequent races, Ty Dillon handled driving duties at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, and Colin Braun took the wheel for the Grand Prix in St. Petersburg. Ahead of each weekend, new drivers are announced, continuing the energy and anticipation around Ram’s efforts in the Truck Series.
LaJoie’s Excitement for the Darlington Challenge
The Darlington event, known for its challenging 1.366-mile oval nicknamed
“The Track Too Tough to Tame,”
is set for 147 laps and will air live on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. As LaJoie steps into the driver’s seat for this 200-mile race, he voiced his enthusiasm for returning to the circuit and his appreciation for Ram’s initiative:
“It’s always fun getting to drive a NASCAR truck, especially at the track ‘Too Tough to Tame,’”
— Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
“Ram’s program is a breath of fresh air into the sport, and I’m fired up to have a shot to wheel one for Kaulig Racing. This group has worked incredibly hard to get these teams going, so I’m going to give them all I’ve got to put in a great day in the office.”
— Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
LaJoie’s Racing Legacy and Recent Performance
Corey LaJoie, age 34 and hailing from Concord, North Carolina, brings significant experience to Kaulig Racing. As a third-generation competitor, LaJoie draws from a family legacy—his father, Randy LaJoie, is a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion. Corey’s early career was marked by six wins in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (now ARCA Menards Series East) and three ARCA Menards Series checkered flags. Since debuting in NASCAR’s top level in 2014, he has tallied over 270 starts in the Cup Series, racking up several top-five and top-ten results, particularly on superspeedways and road courses. His career also consists of select stints in the Truck Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
LaJoie recently served as a reserve driver for RFK Racing in the Cup Series, entered several Truck Series events, and attempted to qualify for this year’s Daytona 500 in the No. 99, though a late-race Duel crash ended that effort.
Kaulig Racing’s Plans for 2026 and Team Lineup
For the 2026 season, Kaulig Racing is fielding five full-time Ram trucks, strengthening its presence as Ram’s lead partner in the NASCAR Truck Series. LaJoie’s Darlington run places him among an energetic group that includes Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell. The team’s flexible driver strategy continues to combine seasoned competitors and emerging names, reinforcing both Kaulig’s and Ram’s commitment to innovation and opportunity within NASCAR.
Significance of LaJoie’s Entry and What Lies Ahead
LaJoie’s entry into Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series lineup at Darlington underlines Ram’s push for variety and excitement in their NASCAR return. The diverse roster, featuring notable drivers like Tony Stewart, Ty Dillon, and Colin Braun, exemplifies the blending of experience and new talent. Fans can expect a spirited evening at the Darlington “Track Too Tough to Tame,” where the evolving driver program signals a dynamic season ahead and offers both LaJoie and Kaulig Racing fresh challenges and high-profile exposure.
