Roger Penske has been successful across multiple realms. The auto racing team owner owns star-studded accolades in NASCAR, IMSA, and IndyCar. What Penske also owns across these three disciplines are bonds with multiple OEMs. Penske competes with Ford in NASCAR, Porsche in IMSA and the WEC, and Chevrolet in IndyCar. Another team owner is embarking on such a multi-colored enterprise. Yet Dale Jr. thinks it might disadvantage one driver, Richard Childress’ grandson.

Ram, a spinoff of Dodge, left the NASCAR Cup Series in 2012 after Brad Keselowski delivered them a championship. The OEM left the Craftsman Truck Series in 2016 – but in 2026, the brand is making a comeback. And it is taking the help of Kaulig Racing, which is probably not good news for one driver.

A tough road ahead for Richard Childress’ kin

Remember the Atlanta Cup Series race in July? Ty Dillon, the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet driver, knocked out Denny Hamlin in the In-Season Tournament’s first round. He created a sensational buzz with his post-race dialogue: “For all you Denny fans out there, I just knocked your favorite driver out.” What an exhilarating ride that was, to see Dillon knock out his rivals one by one until he got bested by Ty Gibbs in the final round. Now, however, Richard Childress’ grandson sits 32nd in points with no top ten or top five in sight. Yet Dale Jr. says that Dillon’s points are not the only threat that the driver faces.

In mid-August, Ram chose its partner for its 2026 comeback to NASCAR – Kaulig Racing. It will run up to five Ram trucks in the Truck Series. Considering Kaulig’s primary association with Chevrolet since 2016, Dale Jr. figured this could wildly shuffle things – including Ty Dillon’s Cup Series future. The veteran driver said in a recent Dale Jr. Download episode: “This absolutely, I’m assuming, jeopardizes or terminates their relationship with Chevrolet going forward with their Xfinity program, their Cup program…I think for Ty Dillon, it could put his ride in jeopardy.”

In 2025, Kaulig has fielded five teams, two in Cup driven by Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger – Allmendinger will undertake a part-time Xfinity role with JR Motorsports from 2026. Kaulig also has three in Xfinity: Daniel Dye, Christian Eckes, and revolving drivers. In 2026, Kaulig will jump to 10 teams, with 50 new team members likely to join. Despite Dale Jr.’s apprehensions, Kaulig president Chris Rice clarified that becoming a multi-OEM team is no problem. “They do it all the time, Penske does it, a lot of people do it, so that you have OEMs in different series,” he said. “It’s a totally separate deal, we’re very fortunate for what we’ve had over at Chevrolet.”

Nevertheless, Dale Jr. is concerned about Ty Dillon, especially after the latter has impressed in 2025.  “Remember the in-race bracket challenge and how he went through and did all of that? …Damn. Almost won it,” Dale Jr. said. “How many races have we seen where…we see this guy jump up there and go for it and send it and gain, you know, six, eight spots in the final three laps to grab a top 25…He’s one of those guys who just doesn’t give up. His day is never over.” 

While Dale Jr. speculates about Ty Dillon’s career, major changes are already underway in Kaulig Racing.

A big promotion is underway

Well, jumping from 5 to 10 teams is no mean feat. And to undertake such a humongous task, Matt Kaulig has appointed one of his most trusted colleagues. Chris Rice has worked with the team since its inception in 2016, having started in a crew chief’s role and then shifted to management. And now his journey has leveled up. Kaulig Racing has named Rice as its first-ever CEO, a promotion from his post as President. Rice has been involved with the team’s various achievements, like fetching 27 trophies in the Xfinity Series and 2 trophies in the Cup Series. Now, he is spearheading the organization’s new partnership with Ram.

Hence, Matt Kaulig is more than happy to promote his long-time colleague. “Chris Rice is the real deal,” he said. “From his early days on pit road to President and now CEO of Kaulig Racing, his journey reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that define this sport.” Chris Rice was also enthusiastic: “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for Matt’s trust in me. From day one, our goal has been to create something special here at Kaulig Racing, not just wins on the track, but a culture where people love to come to work every day. With our partnership with RAM and the opportunity to continue grow in 2026, the future has never been brighter for Kaulig Racing.”

Clearly, Kaulig Racing is moving swiftly towards a brand-new 2026 season. Let’s see if Dale Jr.’s qualms about Richard Childress’ grandson hold ground or not.