Ram Roars Back: Kaulig Racing Anchors a Monumental NASCAR Comeback

Ram is officially back in NASCAR—and it’s coming in hot. After more than a decade away from the stock car spotlight, Ram is returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 with Kaulig Racing as its anchor factory team. 

A New Chapter for Ram and a Milestone for Kaulig Racing 

Announced live during a NASCAR event at Michigan International Speedway earlier this summer, Ram’s return was anything but conventional. In classic Ram style, the brand rolled out a Ram 5500 hauling a custom-built trailer for burnout donuts, showcasing its NASCAR concept truck and making it clear: Ram doesn’t just re-enter quietly. It makes smoke. 

Today, it’s official: Kaulig Racing will lead the charge for Ram’s long-awaited return. This new partnership marks the first time a factory-backed Ram team will compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned event since 2012. Their debut is locked in for February 13, 2026, under the lights at Daytona International Speedway, kicking off the new Craftsman Truck Series season in prime-time fashion. 

Why Kaulig? Shared Values and Serious Momentum 

Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Matt Kaulig, the team has rapidly risen through NASCAR’s ranks. In just under a decade, Kaulig Racing has gone from Xfinity upstart to a respected Cup Series competitor with a reputation for bold moves and high performance. 

Kaulig currently fields: 

• 2 full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series 
• 3 full-time teams in the NASCAR Xfinity Series 

With 29 wins over the last seven seasons and a growing trophy case, Kaulig Racing is now poised to expand its operation further—this time, to field up to five Ram 1500 trucks in the 2026 Truck Series. 

A Team Built on Momentum 

Kaulig’s expansion into the Truck Series with Ram marks a defining moment for the team, but it didn’t happen overnight. 

“We are proud of what the men and women of Kaulig Racing have accomplished over the past decade,” said Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice. “Special thanks to Ty Norris for his dedication to Kaulig Racing and helping get us to the next level.” 

While the driver lineup for 2026 is still under wraps, the team promises announcements in the coming months as preparations heat up. What we do know: Kaulig is committed to making an impact from the very first lap. 

Why This Matters 

• Ram hasn’t been in NASCAR since 2012. Its return signals a major shift in manufacturer involvement in the Truck Series. 
• Kaulig Racing is ready to scale. Already competing in both Cup and Xfinity, the Truck Series program solidifies its status as a full-spectrum NASCAR team. 
• The timing is strategic. As NASCAR evolves with new rules, spec chassis, and a shifting fanbase, Ram and Kaulig are stepping in with calculated confidence. 
• Factory support is rare and powerful. Ram’s backing provides serious technical and financial firepower—raising expectations immediately. 

Looking Ahead 

Ram and Kaulig have thrown down the gauntlet. Now, the racing world waits to see how they deliver. Will this bold return rewrite the Truck Series playbook—or run into the roadblocks that factory-backed programs often face?