Kaulig Racing’s Ram 1500 trucks delivered a determined performance during the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ inaugural street race at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida, overcoming unpredictable weather, limited practice, and a shuffled starting lineup. The team successfully maintained Ram’s season-long top-10 streak, with Colin Braun’s ninth-place finish standing out as a highlight for the emerging program aiming to establish itself in the highly competitive series. The achievement aligns with the team’s stated focus keyword, “Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series,” underscoring its significance in a pivotal season.
Unpredictable Conditions Test Adaptability in St. Petersburg
Arriving in Florida with a five-truck effort, Kaulig Racing faced the challenge of intense rain, which abbreviated practice sessions and forced NASCAR officials to set the starting grid according to the rulebook due to the lack of qualifying. The unfamiliar street layout, narrow racing lines, and tight corners presented added difficulties, especially for a team still building up a street course playbook. Despite these hurdles, team members and drivers worked diligently to quickly adapt and gather valuable data on how the new trucks would handle the unique circuit.
Colin Braun, selected as Ram’s “Free Agent” driver for the event, exemplified the team’s persistence. Starting 16th after the revised lineup, Braun steadily moved through the field by avoiding incidents and taking advantage of opportunities as they arose. With approximately 15 laps left in the race, he entered the top-10 and defended his position through to the checkered flag, ultimately earning a ninth-place finish. This extended Ram’s impressive record of top-10 successes to three consecutive races at the beginning of 2026, a notable feat for such a nascent effort.
Colin Braun’s Return Bolsters Ram’s Consistency
Braun’s weekend performance not only provided Kaulig Racing and Ram with a much-needed momentum boost but also signaled his own resurgence in the Truck Series. The ninth-place at St. Pete marked Braun’s 24th career top-10 and his first since 2011 at Michigan, where he coincidentally recorded the same result. Reflecting on the race and the progression of the program, Braun shared his honest assessment:
“I’m thankful for this opportunity with Kaulig Racing and Ram. They’ve been working really hard. It’s no secret that we weren’t the fastest, but this team is starting from ground zero, so to be able to build and get a good result is big. I learned a lot, and I think as a team, we learned what we needed to. I didn’t know what to expect going into this weekend. The other OEMs did a great job and were able to prep their guys a good bit. I feel like if we had some practice, it may have been quite a game changer for me, but we started off on the back foot and were just behind from the drop of the green. Considering what we had yesterday, I’m pretty pleased with a top-10 finish.”
—Colin Braun, Driver
Braun’s steady, calculated approach—particularly on a brand-new street circuit with minimal practice—demonstrates both his professionalism and the foundational promise of the Ram 1500 project, even as it battles from the back foot against more experienced manufacturers.
Justin Haley Recovers from Early Setback
Justin Haley’s campaign in the No. 16 Celsius Ram 1500 began with promise, starting from the 11th spot and exhibiting strong pace in the opening laps. However, adversity struck on lap three when contact from another competitor sent his truck spinning and dropped him a lap behind the leaders. The narrow confines of the St. Petersburg circuit typically make recovery challenging, yet Haley and crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. orchestrated a determined comeback.
Timely pit strategy and precise driving enabled Haley to regain lost ground, eventually positioning himself toward the front half of the field during the final stage. His twelfth-place finish validated the team’s resilience and quick decision-making under pressure. Haley summed up his experience with candid optimism:
“Overall, not a bad finish for this No. 16 Celsius Ram 1500 team. I didn’t know what to expect heading into the weekend. With hardly any practice, there were a ton of unknowns, but I could tell I would have some difficulties with braking during the race. We got spun early on and had to fight back to get the free pass position. Thankfully, Mike [Hillman Jr.] made some great adjustments on pit road. We were able to learn quite a bit, kept pushing, and almost got a top-10 out of it. I’m looking forward to heading to Darlington next, one of my favorite tracks.”
—Justin Haley, Driver
Despite challenging circumstances, the team’s measured response and Haley’s positive outlook reinforced the spirit that Kaulig Racing brings into each event, further solidifying their growing reputation on the Truck Series tour.
Daniel Dye Maintains Progress with Steady Performance
Daniel Dye’s day was characterized by measured improvements rather than dramatic headlines. Methodically, his team sought to enhance the Ram 1500’s handling across the technically demanding layout, particularly focusing on balance and braking—a crucial factor on street circuits. Dye maintained composure and steered clear of incidents, making a late maneuver on the final lap to secure 17th. Avoiding major damage and delivering a clean finish was especially meaningful for the team as it continues to develop its presence in the series.
Brenden Queen’s Mid-Race Speed Derailed by Misfortune
Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, recognized for his prowess on short tracks, demonstrated impressive pace in the middle portion of the race and appeared well-positioned for a top-20 result. Mixing it up in a competitive mid-pack, Queen demonstrated his talent against drivers with greater street and road racing experience. Unfortunately, a cut tire in the closing stages forced his Ram into the wall, significantly damaging his chances and relegating him to a 24th-place finish. The setback was a tough blow after a promising performance up to that point.
Rookie “Mini” Tyrrell Shows Early Promise Despite Challenges
“Mini” Tyrrell’s first street race in the Truck Series provided an early highlight when he advanced 10 positions during the opening segment, quickly adapting to the unique challenges of navigating street course barriers and tight turns. As the race wore on, he encountered the pitfalls that can plague less experienced street racers: a series of tire issues and contact with the wall. Ultimately, these difficulties left him two laps down and 28th at the finish, but his initial gains suggest significant potential for future road and street events as both driver and team gain more experience.
Cummins Joins Kaulig Racing as Primary Sponsor for Queen
The 2026 season has also brought the return of Cummins Inc., a major global producer of power technology and respected engines, to NASCAR’s national stage. The company has taken on a season-long primary sponsorship of Brenden Queen’s No. 12 Ram 1500 entry, further reinforcing Kaulig Racing’s commitment to elevating its profile and resources. This partnership celebrates both Ram’s and Cummins’ histories in North American motorsports, and the additional support strengthens Queen’s program as the Ram team continues to race for top results.
Ram Introduces “Race for the Seat” Talent Search Initiative
In a move to distinguish its return to the NASCAR Truck Series from its competitors, Ram has launched “Race for the Seat,” a reality competition series designed to give aspiring drivers a genuine opportunity to earn a spot with the team. This approach merges grassroots racing energy with mainstream appeal, opening fresh pathways to NASCAR success. The “Race for the Seat” program is a testament to Ram’s strategy of investing not just in technology but in developing top-tier talent from across America, advancing the team’s competitive prospects into future seasons.
Focus Shifts to Darlington: A New Challenge Awaits
With St. Petersburg in the rearview mirror, Kaulig Racing and the Ram 1500 teams now prepare for one of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ most storied and demanding venues: Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Known as
“The Track Too Tough to Tame,”
—a moniker fittingly referenced by drivers and fans—Darlington’s 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval will require a vastly different approach than the tight city streets of Florida.
The upcoming Buckle Up South Carolina 200 will span 147 laps and a total distance of 200.8 miles on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The unique challenges at Darlington, including its abrasive surface and high-speed racing lines, will test both driver endurance and machinery resilience. Earning the notorious “Darlington Stripe” is a rite of passage, and for a still-developing operation like Kaulig Racing, continued top-10 finishes would mark further progress in establishing their Truck Series presence.
Building Momentum and a Program from the Ground Up
Entering its third race weekend, the Ram 1500 entry in the Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series is quickly building a foundation marked by persistence, teamwork, and adaptability. Each weekend has provided the team with new learning experiences and data, helping the entire organization respond to new challenges as they emerge. While setbacks have been a part of the journey, consistent top-10 results and close calls demonstrate promising growth and resilience throughout the lineup.
With accomplished drivers like Colin Braun, emerging talent from the likes of Daniel Dye and “Mini” Tyrrell, and the partnership with Cummins, Kaulig Racing is carving out its place in the Truck Series paddock. The “Race for the Seat” program and the backing of major brands point to an operation looking far beyond 2026, aiming to nurture both talent and competitiveness for seasons to come.
As the team eyes Darlington and beyond, the season’s consistent results serve as a testament to Kaulig Racing’s growing strength and determination to challenge established competitors in the quest for NASCAR Truck Series glory.
