In the NASCAR garage, everything circles back to money, with teams and drivers chasing wins while building sponsorships and fan bases to stay afloat. But off the field, success often hinges on smart media plays that draw eyes and dollars, turning rumors into big opportunities even before official word drops. And the same goes for Ram’s 2026 return to the Craftsman Truck Series news, which has sparked plenty of buzz, from team partnerships to driver lineups. With Kaulig Racing now locked in to field five trucks, the focus now shifts to how this newcomer will stand out.

And Pat McAfee, a key voice in American sports, may have a strong resume to make a sports team stand out in a crowd, with the $60 million net worth adding weight to that resume. He enters the chatter through recent links to the Ram Trucks. Though the specifics of his role and any fresh approaches remain intriguing, digging into that connection reveals an intriguing twist.

The rumor linking Pat McAfee to Ram’s NASCAR push

The Pat McAfee Show spotlighted Ram Trucks’ NASCAR program last week, building on earlier ties where McAfee appeared in a Ram planning document spotted by Sports Business Journal. This fuels speculation he’s eyeing a role with the brand’s 2026 Truck Series entry, possibly in a driver tryout reality show concept Ram has explored.

.@PatMcAfeeShow brought up the @RamTrucks NASCAR program on his show last week, and that comes after he was included in a Ram planning document seen earlier this year by @SBJ, along with Cleetus McFarland and the Dana White-involved gong show.

➡️ @Stellantis declined comment. pic.twitter.com/C2RhCX5gnp

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 28, 2025

That idea, akin to the 2005 “Roush Racing: Driver X” series, would feature rising talents competing for a ride, airing in late 2025 or early 2026 to hype the team’s launch. UFC’s Dana White, who voiced a Ram ad, called involvement “very possible,” tying into his “The Ultimate Fighter” experience and past sponsorship links with the brand.

Bringing in McAfee, a former NFL punter turned media powerhouse, could supercharge Ram’s visibility. His show reaches millions, blending sports talk with entertainment, which aligns with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis‘ vow to market “unlike anyone else.” Financially, this could draw new sponsors and fans, helping the Kaulig-backed effort establish quickly amid NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

McAfee’s credentials shine here; drafted by the Colts in 2009, he earned All-Pro honors and two Pro Bowls before retiring in 2017. Post-football, he dove into WWE, winning an NXT award and co-hosting events.

The experiment’s bold edge lies in blending celebrity pull with racing trials, potentially airing on TV or streaming to expand NASCAR’s reach. Kaulig president Chris Rice noted they’d “do it different,” echoing the ambitious setup.

For Ram, facing a fresh start after a 2013 exit, this could mean instant buzz and revenue growth through broader appeal. While Stellantis declined to comment on the rumor, the document also named Cleetus McFarland, hinting at a star-studded approach.

McAfee’s shoutout caught attention from drivers like Corey Heim. That exchange sheds light on how such rumors ripple through the garage.

Heim responds to McAfee on manufacturer loyalty

Pat McAfee highlighted Corey Heim as a potential fit for Ram next season, prompting a quick clarification from the young driver. Heim, a standout in the Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage, has racked up 18 career wins and leads the 2025 points with 3,079, including nine victories in 21 starts. His response underscores loyalty amid speculation tied to Ram’s Kaulig partnership. “More of a @Toyota Tundra guy, but appreciate the love @PatMcAfeeShow,” Heim posted, affirming his ties to Toyota since his 2023 full-time debut.

This came after McAfee’s on-air nod, reflecting Heim’s strong run with the #11 Toyota Tundra, where he’s notched 41 top-fives and led 2,729 laps across 66 races. Heim’s path started with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2012, building to Cup readiness as he shared, “I definitely feel like I’m ready to make Cup starts.” The exchange highlights how media buzz can stir manufacturer debates, especially with Ram eyeing fresh talent.

Heim’s stance ties into his growth with Toyota and 23XI opportunities, where he noted, “I’m really happy with the opportunities that Toyota and 23XI have given me the past couple of years.” This keeps focus on his current setup, offering insight for fans navigating rumor seasons in NASCAR.