In August 2025, Kaulig Racing and RAM announced a significant collaboration marking the automaker’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 as the anchor factory team. Kaulig Racing is set to field five entries, signaling a bold expansion into the Truck Series. Team owner Matt Kaulig emphasized the shared values between the two entities, stating, “I know RAM doesn’t do anything small… and I know at Kaulig Racing, we don’t do anything small.” With this ambitious venture underway, attention turns to the drivers who might steer these new RAM trucks.

But what is most important in any NASCAR partnership is its sponsorship and the resources that the driver brings to the manufacturer. In August, Lawless Alan was rumored to be a full-time driver for Kaulig Racing’s Ram program in 2026. At the time, Alan was competing for Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series, holding third place in the standings. However, later rumors indicated that Alan had encountered financial difficulties, leading to his departure from the team and leaving him without a ride. Then came the speculation about Cleetus McFarland, Hailie Deegan, or Toni Breidinger being the prospective drivers of the truck, but that rumor, too, has been shot down.

One NASCAR insider wrote on X, “You can scrap the Cleetus, Deegan, Toni talk for Kaulig. Those aren’t names we’ve heard. We don’t know everything but we have a bunch on three of them. Hiring any of those drivers would signify a circus act and with the backing this team has they don’t need to be making moves like that.” 

Additionally, Kaulig Racing’s focus appears to be on experienced drivers who align with the team’s competitive goals. With these names potentially off the table, who will Kaulig Racing select to drive their Ram Trucks?

Analyzing the performance of Kaulig Racing’s current drivers provides insight into the team’s expectations. In the 2025 season, Christian Eckes has been the standout, securing three top-five finishes and leading the team with eight top-10 finishes. In contrast, drivers like Daniel Dye and Josh Williams have faced challenges, with Williams posting an average finish of 22.8, the lowest among the full-time drivers. As the team evaluates potential drivers, the focus shifts to those who can contribute to the team’s success on the track.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the 2026 season, with high expectations for Kaulig Racing’s performance. The team’s ambitious entry into the Truck Series, coupled with Ram’s return, has generated significant buzz, with fans coming up with their own lineups.

How NASCAR fans are responding to the rumor mill

One fan opined, “I still think dye, LaJoie, butter bean, someone out of left field, and an all star truck.” Daniel Dye currently competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing, but he has leaned heavily on veteran teammate A. J. Allmendinger for guidance, aiming to improve both his performance and contribute to enhancing the team’s Xfinity program.

Corey LaJoie has been involved in a part-time limited Cup Series schedule for Rick Ware Racing in 2025, while Brenden “Butterbean” Queen has had a standout 2025 season in the ARCA Menards Series, leading the standings with multiple victories.

Another remarked, “I think them having an all star truck will be tough purely because no cup guys could run it since it’s a RAM. I doubt many xfinity guys could unless they get a nemechek 42  situation where the OEM has dropped all funding and doesn’t care if a Toyota guy is in the truck.” 

In the Truck Series, manufacturer allegiance is paramount. Teams are typically bound to use engines and part from their respective OEMs. However, this has been tested sometimes, as Hattori Racing Enterprises, a Toyota-affiliated team, was compelled to adopt a spec engine after a 2018 rule change.

One fan added, “Brett Moffitt would be cool. If the rumor he’s in the 11 xfinity car at Kansas is true that could be a sign that it could happen. Moffitt is a truck champion and many time truck winner.” Moffitt, a former Truck Series champion, has a history of competitive performances at Kansas Speedway, adding credibility here.

For instance, in 2022, he returned to the Xfinity Series at Kansas with SS Green Light Racing, finishing in the top 10. His 5th-place finish at Kansas with Tricon Garage further highlights his ongoing competitiveness.

A fan also suggested, “I know nothing but my intuition tells me these rumors are being taken as a ride for each when really they’re just trying to figure out what their paid/influencer truck is, because there’s just no actual way they seriously intend to roll out 5 of those.” McFarland, known for his YouTube presence, has made occasional ARCA appearances but lacks the consistent racing background like full-time drivers.

Similarly, Deegan‘s recent venture into Indy NXT has not yielded the desired results. Breidinger, while making history as the only woman racing full-time in the NASCAR’s top-3 series in 2025, has faced challenges in the Truck Series.

Another added to that sentiment, saying, “I think Toni is unhappy at Tricon. She mentioned on a podcast recently that just being in a competitive vehicle is nice but not if you’re not actually having any support from a team. She also brings all of her own sponsorship or pays for it herself if needed. I still think she should be getting much better results than she has but not surprised to see her look into other options.” 

While she has garnered sponsorships from brands like Coach and Raising Cane’s, these partnerships have been sporadic, with some races lacking primary sponsorship altogether.

As Kaulig Racing and RAM gear up for their Truck Series debut, the spotlight will intensify on every strategic decision. How the team navigates driver selection and support will ultimately define their impact in the 2026 season.