Kevin Kidd has been appointed by Stellantis as the North American Motorsports Competition Director, spearheading Dodge Ram’s renewed efforts in the NASCAR Truck Series and the NHRA. This major development marks Ram’s factory-backed return to NASCAR’s Truck Series, reestablishing the brand in major motorsports circuits after a significant hiatus.
Stellantis officially announced Ram’s NASCAR comeback earlier this year, unveiling a concept Ram 1500 race truck at Michigan International Speedway. In August, Stellantis revealed a new collaboration with Kaulig Racing, which plans to field five trucks in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series. This move signals an ambitious expansion for Ram and Stellantis in competitive racing.
Kevin Kidd’s New Leadership Role in Stellantis Motorsports
Kidd brings over twenty years of racing experience to his new leadership position, having served as a NASCAR crew chief, team director, race engineer, and contributing member of NASCAR’s Competition Advisory Committee. Academically, he holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech alongside an MBA from MIT Sloan, providing a strong foundation for leading technical and competitive strategies at Stellantis.
Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic noted Kidd’s appointment, explaining its significance in ignition of Dodge’s NHRA and Ram’s NASCAR Truck Series entries.
“Stellantis appoints Kevin Kidd, a former NASCAR crew chief and competition director, to serve as North American motorsports competition director. Kidd will lead Dodge’s involvement in NHRA and Ram’s entry into the NASCAR Truck Series,” Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
In this capacity, Kidd reports to Tom Sacoman and works closely with Kaulig Racing, Tony Stewart Racing, NHRA legend Tony Stewart’s team, and Direct Connection Engineering, reflecting a well-coordinated effort across multiple racing divisions.
Ram’s Strategic NASCAR Truck Series Revival and Expanded Operations
Ram’s factory-supported return to NASCAR Truck Series racing is its first since 2012, with the brand having previously claimed titles in 2004 and 2005. Kaulig Racing, which will now incorporate a third national series into its portfolio, will operate the trucks out of its existing bases while expanding staff and facilities near Welcome, North Carolina.
Kevin Kidd expressed enthusiasm about integrating engineering and competition to pioneer new standards for Ram and Stellantis’ motorsports presence.
“The intersection of engineering and competition has always been my passion. Stellantis’ innovative approach to motorsports, especially in partnership with Kaulig Racing, presents a unique opportunity to push boundaries. I’m looking forward to contributing fresh ideas to help drive these efforts forward,” Kevin Kidd, North American Motorsports Competition Director
Kaulig Racing has yet to announce the drivers for their upcoming five entries but is poised to rebuild Ram’s racing legacy as part of Stellantis’ robust brand group, which includes Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep.
Implications and Future Prospects for Dodge Ram NHRA NASCAR Return
Stellantis’ commitment to Ram’s motorsports revival under Kevin Kidd’s leadership signals a renewed competitive focus likely to energize fan engagement and brand visibility. The strategic partnerships with Kaulig Racing and Tony Stewart Racing integrate valuable expertise, positioning the brand for an impactful return to racing circuits. The expansion of infrastructure near Welcome, North Carolina, indicates sustained investment and long-term ambitions for success in both NHRA drag racing and NASCAR’s Truck Series.
This move also aligns Stellantis with contemporary racing innovations and intensifies competition within the NASCAR Truck Series as preparations for the 2026 season accelerate. Ram’s reentry is expected to have ripple effects, potentially inspiring further development across Stellantis’ lineup and reigniting fan enthusiasm for factory-backed race trucks.
