Colin Braun will compete in Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 Ram 1500 at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ first-ever street course event, held on February 28 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This race marks another chapter in Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program, which highlights Braun’s return to the series after Ram’s 13-year hiatus from NASCAR.
Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program Revives NASCAR Enthusiasm
The innovative Free Agent Driver Program rotates a mix of veteran drivers, emerging talents, and available racers behind the wheel of the No. 25 Ram 1500 throughout the 2026 season. This initiative celebrates Ram’s comeback to NASCAR with a fresh and dynamic range of drivers each week, attracting broad fan interest.
Earlier events featured Tony Stewart at Daytona and Ty Dillon at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, with Braun now joining as the latest driver in this evolving lineup. Typically, the incoming participant is announced after the preceding race, creating anticipation while blending diverse racing backgrounds.
Braun Embraces Unique Opportunity at St. Pete
Colin Braun expressed excitement about his NASCAR truck return on such a landmark weekend. He remarked,
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, especially on such a cool weekend when they debut in St. Pete,”
and added,
“Ram’s program offers a fantastic opportunity to mix my endurance background with oval and street course racing. I’m thrilled Ram is giving me this chance. I have seen how much work the Kaulig crew is putting into getting this program started up, and giving them a great result would repay them for the hard work!”
Historic Street Course Debut for the Truck Series in Florida
The Truck Series will race for the first time on a 1.8-mile street circuit located along the downtown waterfront in St. Petersburg, Florida. This event is part of the Firestone Grand Prix weekend, which features an IndyCar Series doubleheader and expands the appeal for both stock car and open-wheel racing enthusiasts.
Colin Braun’s Diverse Racing Career and NASCAR Achievements
The 37-year-old from Ovalo, Texas began his racing journey with notable success in sports cars, including a class podium at the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans at just 17 years old. Transitioning to stock car racing in 2007 with Roush Fenway Racing, Braun earned the Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year title, captured multiple poles such as at Daytona, and secured his lone Truck Series win at Michigan International Speedway in 2009.
He also competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series from 2007 to 2010, achieving poles and top-five finishes within limited starts before refocusing on endurance and sports car racing.
Success in Endurance Racing and IMSA Championships
Braun has made a significant mark in endurance racing, capturing three WeatherTech SportsCar Championship titles in 2014, 2015, and 2022, plus four Rolex 24 at Daytona victories, including an overall GTP class win in 2023. His career further includes class wins at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Spa, and the Asian Le Mans Series championship.
Strong Team Presence for Kaulig Racing at St. Petersburg
At St. Petersburg, Braun will join a robust group from Kaulig Racing, which fields five full-time Ram trucks in its debut 2026 Truck Series season as Ram’s anchor partner. His teammates consist of Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and Timothy Tyrrell, the latter securing his seat by winning Ram’s Race for the Seat competition.
The 80-lap race will be broadcast live on Fox at noon Eastern Time, providing fans nationwide the chance to witness this historic event.
Growing Excitement Around Ram’s Return and Braun’s Role
Ram’s return to NASCAR with its Free Agent Driver Program has reignited interest in the Truck Series by integrating drivers like Colin Braun, who bring a mix of racing disciplines and achievements. Braun’s involvement signals a crossover appeal to endurance racing fans while contributing valuable experience on both oval and road courses. This event’s success at St. Petersburg could influence Ram’s strategy and driver combinations in upcoming races.
