| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Kaulig Racing |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Owner | Matt Kaulig |
| Base Location | Welcome, North Carolina, USA |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet (Chevrolet Camaro ZL1) |
| Cup Championships | 0 |
| Total Cup Wins | 1 (Indianapolis Road Course, 2021) |
| Current Drivers | A. J. Allmendinger (No. 16, full-time 2025), Justin Haley (No. 10), rotation of drivers in No. 16 during 2024 (Noah Gragson, Daniel Hemric, etc.) |
| Notable Alumni | Justin Haley, Noah Gragson, Daniel Hemric, Shane van Gisbergen, Josh Williams, Ty Dillon |
| Team Valuation | Estimated multi-million dollars (supported by LeafFilter sponsorship, Matt Kaulig’s business ventures, and alliance with Richard Childress Racing) |
Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing is a prominent American professional stock car racing team competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Established in 2016 and owned by entrepreneur Matt Kaulig, the team has quickly grown into a competitive force, known for its strong performances on superspeedways and road courses. Kaulig Racing operates under a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and fields Chevrolet Camaro cars, symbolizing a modern racing organization blending experienced leadership with a fresh, no-pressure culture.
Early Days and Background
Founded by Matt Kaulig, owner of the LeafFilter sponsor company, Kaulig Racing began its NASCAR journey primarily in the Xfinity Series before stepping into the NASCAR Cup Series. The team made its Cup debut in 2020, entering the Daytona 500 with driver Justin Haley in the No. 16 Chevrolet, initially on a part-time basis. Following promising early performances, the team expanded its schedule and committed to full-time Cup Series competition starting 2022 after purchasing two charters from Spire Motorsports. The first Cup Series win came in August 2021 when A. J. Allmendinger captured victory at the Indianapolis road course, a significant milestone that solidified the team’s arrival among NASCAR’s competitive teams.
Driver Lineup
Kaulig Racing fields multiple cars across NASCAR’s top two tiers:
- No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series: Full-time driven, in recent seasons, by drivers including Justin Haley.
- No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series: Initially part-time, elevated to full-time in 2022 driven primarily by A. J.
Allmendinger who returned full-time to the Cup Series in 2023 and announced to continue full-time in 2025. The No. 16 also featured a rotation of drivers in 2024 including Noah Gragson, Daniel Hemric, Josh Williams, Shane van Gisbergen, Derek Kraus, and Ty Dillon.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Kaulig Racing also fields cars driven by various drivers affiliated with the team’s developmental and full-time programs.
The team’s cars are Chevrolet Camaros supported by a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, enabling competitive setups and shared resources. Crew chiefs and key operational staff have included experienced NASCAR professionals, though specific names have evolved alongside driver changes. For example, crew chief Travis Mack left the team during 2024, replaced by Darian Grubb at some events.
Net Worth
While exact financial details are private, Kaulig Racing enjoys strong financial backing from Matt Kaulig’s business ventures and sponsorship from companies like LeafFilter. Its rapid growth and competitive success reflect a stable and substantial investment in NASCAR’s national series, likely placing the team’s valuation in the multi-million dollar range. The team’s strategic alliances with established organizations like Richard Childress Racing also contribute to its operational strength.
Legacy in NASCAR
Although a relatively young team, Kaulig Racing has quickly established itself as a respected competitor in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. It has maintained consistent playoff appearances in Xfinity competition and has made significant strides in Cup racing, including scoring a win at Indianapolis in 2021 shortly after joining the Cup grid full-time. The team’s no-pressure culture emphasizes driver development and race-winning potential without undue stress, promoting long-term growth. Important active drivers include A. J. Allmendinger, Justin Haley, Noah Gragson, and others who have contributed to the team’s expanding legacy.
Recent Controversies
No significant controversies involving Kaulig Racing have been publicly reported. The team maintains a professional image focused on competitive integrity, development, and measured growth. Minor internal changes such as crew chief turnovers are part of usual NASCAR dynamics rather than controversies.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
- 2024: Kaulig Racing employed a driver rotation in the Cup Series No. 16 car with A. J. Allmendinger running part-time alongside several other drivers, including Josh Williams and Shane van Gisbergen. The team announced the return of Allmendinger full-time for the 2025 season, reflecting stability and renewed focus. The No. 10 and No. 16 teams delivered consistent performances and top-10 finishes across the season, reinforcing Kaulig’s growing competitiveness. Additionally, the team underwent leadership changes with crew chief Travis Mack’s departure mid-season, replaced by Darian Grubb.
- 2025 (1st August): Kaulig Racing aims to build on recent successes with a solid driver lineup, strengthened technical partnerships, and ambitions for race wins and playoff contention.