Ram will return to NASCAR competition in 2026, and Kaulig Racing will serve as the cornerstone of the brand’s highly anticipated comeback. The Ohio-based team, founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Matt Kaulig, will field up to five Ram 1500 entries in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2026.
The announcement marks Ram’s first factory-backed NASCAR effort since 2012, reestablishing the brand in one of motorsports’ most competitive divisions. For Kaulig Racing, the partnership represents both an opportunity and a milestone.
“This partnership represents far more than a new chapter in Kaulig Racing’s history, it’s a union of shared values,” said team owner 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.”
Ram first teased its return to NASCAR earlier this summer at Michigan International Speedway, where the company rolled out a concept truck with a custom trailer designed for smoky burnouts. According to Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, the decision to align with Kaulig Racing was driven by a shared culture and vision.
“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.”
Kaulig Racing has steadily built a strong reputation since its founding in 2016, currently fielding two chartered cars in the NASCAR Cup Series and three full-time entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team has amassed 29 victories across the two national series in just seven years. Team President Chris Rice called the partnership with Ram “a monumental moment” and credited longtime executive Ty Norris for helping position Kaulig Racing for its next chapter.
While Kaulig Racing continues to assemble its Truck Series program, drivers for the 2026 debut season will be announced at a later date. The team’s first official outing with Ram will come under the lights at Daytona, a fitting stage for the return of the Ram badge to NASCAR. The season opener will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
