Kaulig Racing, based in North Carolina, is set to make its debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, with Justin Haley returning to the team as the lead driver. The announcement came in August 2025, when Kaulig Racing revealed its plan to enter the series with five truck entries, partnering with RAM for the campaign. Haley, who had left the team in 2023 to pursue his Cup Series career with Rick Ware Racing and later raced for Spire Motorsports during the 2025 season, is now rejoining Kaulig Racing to spearhead its new Truck Series program.
Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing, emphasized Haley’s role in the team’s previous success, particularly in helping build Kaulig’s Cup Series program. With Haley back, the alliance aims to construct the Truck Series effort from the ground up. Speaking about the partnership with RAM and Stellantis, Rice expressed his commitment to making the project a reality.
“For someone like Ram, Stellantis, and Dodge to be behind us, Matt Kaulig will jump through fire to get to do it. I’m all in to make sure it happens.”
?Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing
Haley himself shared a cautious optimism about the upcoming season, noting his experience but also the uncertainties involved in starting a new program.
“I haven’t allowed myself to think about expectations for the year. I think it’s obvious with my experience and how many races I’ve done in NASCAR that I feel like we should be competitive no matter where we’re at or how good our trucks are. We may go out and be good and surprise ourselves, or it might be really bad, and we have to slowly work on it.”
?Justin Haley, Lead Driver for Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing’s entry into the Truck Series will officially begin at the Fresh From Florida 250, held at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2026. Alongside Haley’s entry, the team will also feature former NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart in truck #25 for this event, signaling a high-profile start to the season.
CEO Discusses the Impact of Tony Stewart’s Return with RAM in the Truck Series
In January 2026, Chris Rice spoke on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, revealing insights into Kaulig Racing’s expansion plans. Originally aiming for three trucks, the team increased its lineup to five vehicles for the Truck Series season, accompanied by the intention to bring in a marquee name. RAM and associated partners reached out to Tony Stewart, leading to his decision to come out of retirement to compete in the series, a move Rice described as significant for multiple stakeholders.
“I think with Tony coming back, you know, and showing that it’s great to have RAM back in the sport, that’s a big deal. That’s a big deal for the sport. That’s a big deal for Kaulig Racing. That’s a big deal for RAM. So, you know, I’m pumped to spend some time with Tony and talk to him about, you know, him running his own program and the goods and bad.”
?Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing
While Stewart’s return has captured widespread attention, some figures from the NASCAR community have expressed mixed feelings. Dale Earnhardt Jr., former Xfinity Series champion, suggested that the choice of Daytona for Stewart’s comeback may not be ideal, considering Stewart’s last NASCAR race was in 2016 and his last Truck Series start was in 2005. Nonetheless, the alliance and Kaulig Racing remain enthusiastic about collaborating with the seasoned champion as the series approaches its kickoff.
Significance of Kaulig Racing’s Expansion and HALey’s Leadership in the Truck Series
Kaulig Racing’s move into the Craftsman Truck Series, led by Justin Haley and supported by Tony Stewart’s high-profile participation, marks a strategic effort to strengthen its presence across NASCAR’s top tiers. The partnership with RAM, Stellantis, and Dodge brings significant manufacturer backing, which is expected to accelerate the team’s competitiveness in a demanding series. Haley’s return also underscores the team’s trust in his ability to guide the program’s growth, leveraging his Cup Series experience.
The expanded five-truck operation reflects Kaulig Racing’s ambition to establish itself as a dominant force, while Stewart’s involvement adds both star power and veteran insight. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely as the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona sets the stage for what could be a transformative season for the team and the RAM Truck Series as a whole.
