A new day has dawned for Kaulig Racing.
The organization, which currently fields two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series along with three in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is adding NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series vehicles to its already robust fleet.
In fact, Kaulig Racing isn’t just joining the Truck Series. It’s all but taking over.
Why Is Kaulig Racing Going Trucking Next Year?
Beginning in 2026, Kaulig Racing will field five — yes, five — Ram 1500 trucks in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. That’s a lot of trucks and teams for a company that’s never even previously dipped its proverbial toes in the proverbial Truck Series waters.
Rest assured, though: There’s a method to the madness. Kaulig Racing isn’t just expanding to NASCAR’s No. 3 division for the fun of it. No, Kaulig Racing will serve as the anchor factory team for Ram’s highly anticipated return to NASCAR, starting with the Truck Series in 2026.
Next February’s Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway will mark the first time a factory-supported team has carried the Ram badge in a NASCAR race since 2012.
The well-known truck maker announced its forthcoming return to NASCAR during a live NASCAR event at Michigan International Speedway on June 8. The announcement featured a Ram 5500 towing a custom-built trailer designed for smoky donuts — courtesy of Ram’s NASCAR concept truck.
It wasn’t until Saturday at Daytona, however, that Kaulig Racing revealed its major role in Ram’s comeback to the sport.
“This partnership represents far more than a new chapter in Kaulig Racing’s history,” team owner and founder Matt Kaulig said in a news release from the organization. “It’s a union of shared values. 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.”
Who Will Compete In The Truck Series For Kaulig?
Without any doubt, Kaulig Racing is going to be busy over the next few months hiring drivers for its brand new NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program.
Who those drivers will be, though, is for the time being anyone’s best guess. The organization didn’t name any drivers in making its announcement at Daytona, except to say that announcements would be forthcoming.
Kaulig, in all likelihood, will field competitive trucks right out of the gate. Since opening its doors in 2016, the Welcome, North Carolina-based organization has captured 27 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and a pair of NASCAR Cup Series victories — both on road courses with veteran AJ Allmendinger.
The organization has become a perennial championship contender in the Xfinity Series. Last year, Kaulig matched its career-best points finish courtesy of Allmendinger, who ranked third in the final standings. So, if this success translates to trucks, both the team and the Ram brand should make a splash in short order.
“We needed a partner that truly aligns with the Ram brand and embraces our unconventional approach to NASCAR,” Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said. “With Kaulig Racing, we found the perfect synergy to drive our culture forward.”
