NASCAR News: Kaulig Racing to Spearhead Ram Trucks’ Return

In a bold move that signals a new era for both the team and the iconic Ram brand, Kaulig Racing has been named the anchor factory team for Ram Trucks’ highly anticipated return to NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.

The announcement, made on August 23, 2025, at a Daytona Beach Ram dealership, marks the first time a factory-supported team will carry the Ram badge in NASCAR since 2012, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback in American motorsport.

Kaulig Racing to Spearhead Ram Trucks’ Return.Photo courtesy of Kaulig Racing — Kaulig Racing to Spearhead Ram Trucks’ Return. Photo courtesy of Kaulig Racing

The partnership, unveiled with flair during a press conference prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, is more than just a racing deal—it’s a union built on shared values of performance, integrity, and community impact. Kaulig Racing, founded in 2016 by Ohio-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Matt Kaulig, will field up to five Ram 1500 trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series, starting with the season opener at Daytona on February 13, 2026. The event will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90, ensuring fans across the nation can witness Ram’s return to the track.

“This partnership represents far more than a new chapter in Kaulig Racing’s history; it’s a union of shared values,” said Matt Kaulig. “Over the past decade, our team has built a legacy rooted in performance, integrity, and giving back to the community. To now join forces as the anchor team for Ram’s return to NASCAR is both an honor and a responsibility. Together, we’re ready to set a new standard on race day and in the impact we make off the track.”

Matt Kaulig (Blue Blazer). Photo courtesy of Kaulig Racing

Ram’s return to NASCAR, announced earlier in June 2025 at Michigan International Speedway, comes after a 13-year hiatus following Dodge’s departure from the sport in 2012. The move is part of a broader strategy by Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, to leverage the brand’s robust lineup of sport and off-road trucks, including the Ram 1500 Warlock, Rebel, and RHO. The Ram 1500 NASCAR concept truck, molded by the Ram design team with enhanced aerodynamics, will be the centerpiece of this racing revival, blending production truck aesthetics with race-ready performance.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, emphasized the synergy between the two organizations. “We needed a partner that truly aligns with the Ram brand and embraces our unconventional approach to NASCAR,” Kuniskis said. “With Kaulig Racing, we found the perfect synergy to drive our ‘Last Tenth’ culture forward.” The “Last Tenth” philosophy reflects Ram’s commitment to pushing boundaries and standing out in a competitive field, a mindset Kaulig Racing has embraced since its inception.

Kaulig Racing, based in Welcome, North Carolina, is no stranger to success. The team currently fields two chartered entries in the NASCAR Cup Series and three in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, amassing 29 race wins over the past seven seasons. Expanding into the Truck Series with Ram marks a significant milestone, making Kaulig a three-series powerhouse in NASCAR. The team’s president, Chris Rice, expressed pride in the organization’s growth and thanked Ty Norris for his role in elevating Kaulig to this level. “We are proud of what the men and women of Kaulig Racing have accomplished over the past decade,” Rice said.

While the driver lineup for Kaulig’s Ram trucks remains under wraps, with announcements expected later, the team’s commitment to fielding up to five entries signals an ambitious approach. “This isn’t just a cautious trial balloon,” noted motorsport journalist Greg Engle. “It’s a cannonball off the high dive into the deep end.” Kaulig Racing will be the sole team running Ram entries, a testament to the trust Ram has placed in their vision and capabilities.

Ram’s return to the Truck Series is seen as a stepping stone to a larger goal: a potential reentry into the NASCAR Cup Series under the Dodge brand. Nate Buelow, Ram’s senior vice president, hinted at this ambition, stating, “We’ve got a lot of work to do to get five trucks on the track for next year and a lot of learning. But we have every intention of getting back to Cup and running a Dodge on track.” This strategic move positions the Truck Series program as a proving ground for Ram to refine its approach before tackling the top tier of NASCAR.

The announcement has sparked excitement across the NASCAR community. Posts on X reflected the buzz, with @NASCAR declaring, “A new chapter in @KauligRacing history will be written!” and @RacingAmerica noting the significance of Kaulig as Ram’s anchor team. Fans and insiders alike are eager to see how this partnership will shake up the Truck Series, with Ram promising to bring a bold, unconventional flair to the sport.

As Kaulig Racing prepares to debut its Ram 1500 trucks at Daytona in 2026, the partnership is poised to redefine expectations in the Craftsman Truck Series. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, Ram and Kaulig Racing are ready to charge into NASCAR’s future, leaving a lasting mark both on and off the track.