Ram and Kaulig Racing said they’d bring fresh ideas to the Truck Series, and the next chapter of Ram’s return to NASCAR is proving it.
There was widespread speculation about the team’s roster for next season. Many names were thrown in as favorites, but a recent announcement from the team’s management has ended all speculation.
Who Is Driving For Ram in the NASCAR Truck Series Next Season?
Ram Trucks is making a major return to NASCAR, including a special ‘all-star’ truck with a rotating lineup of drivers in 2026.
Next year, the Craftsman Truck Series will see five Kaulig Ram Trucks on the track. Justin Haley, Daniel Dye, and Brenden Queen have already been named, with a possible fourth full-time driver and a fifth entry still to be revealed.
On Monday, Kaulig Racing revealed a one-of-a-kind Free Agent Program for the No.25 Ram 1500, set to debut in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series. The program promises a surprising mix of drivers from different racing backgrounds competing throughout the season.
“The Free Agent seat gives us the flexibility to bring in talent while keeping fans on their toes,” Matt Kaulig, who owns Kaulig Racing, said in a statement.
“Each driver will bring something unique to the team. It’s a new idea, and exactly the kind of energy we want heading into 2026.”
Drivers from all kinds of racing disciplines will take turns in the Free Agent seat. Ram and Kaulig Racing will reveal each race’s driver on the Monday before, keeping the excitement alive with a new driver each week.
“Few people will ever experience the raw intensity of driving in a NASCAR race – V-max speeds, crushing G-forces, raging adrenaline, primal focus – 170 mph in traffic is dancing on a razor’s edge. It’s a rush that is hard to replicate,” Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, said.
Kuniskis suggests that this is Kaulig’s plan to provide spectators with the perfect NASCAR experience. NASCAR isn’t just about speed or technical skill — it’s about the emotional connection between fans, drivers, and teams.
“Until science fiction becomes reality, spectators can only glimpse the feeling, never truly live it. So why do 20 million fans love this sport? Ask five and you’ll get five different answers, but one common thread: the connection to teams and drivers, personalities larger than life.” Kuniskis explained.
“No. 25 isn’t chasing points, we are chasing something bigger, celebrating and amplifying fan engagement with the Free Agents, Kaulig Racing and the Ram brand. That’s the sole mission,” he continued.
Ram confirmed in August that Kaulig Racing would be its lead factory team for the long-awaited NASCAR comeback. As Kuniskis pointed out, the #25 truck isn’t competing for points — the Free Agent drivers are there to bring variety and excitement to the series.