Stellantis is turning heads in motorsports yet again. In 2025, their announcements have been the buzz of the town with the NASCAR truck series on the cards. Ram hasn’t raced in the NASCAR Truck Series since 2012. That absence left a gap that fans have long noticed. Recently, Stellantis teased a comeback, showing a concept Ram 1500 race truck and signing partnerships with top teams. The company hinted it needed a leader who could handle both programs, and the racing world was watching.

For Stellantis, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Drag racing and stock truck racing are gaining attention, and manufacturers are doubling down. Stellantis quietly built new alliances, joining Kaulig Racing for trucks and Tony Stewart Racing for NHRA. This bold move promised a stronger presence on track for the 2026 season. Behind the scenes, insiders knew Stellantis was preparing a leadership shakeup. But not many knew it could be one that could finally bring Dodge and Ram under one unified racing strategy.

Kevin Kidd to lead NHRA & NASCAR Truck Series’ efforts

Recently, veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass revealed their latest move in a tweet. “Former Cup crew chief and competition executive Kevin Kidd named Stellantis North American Motorsports Competition Director.” The announcement continued, “Kidd will lead motorsports activities for NHRA for Dodge and NASCAR trucks for Ram.” Kidd is now the central figure for both programs.

On the NHRA side, he will coordinate Dodge’s drag racing teams and engineers. On the NASCAR trucks side, he will guide Ram’s re-entry. This will see him aligning development, strategy, and on-track performance. Bringing these two worlds together under one experienced hand is a first for Stellantis. It is clear that they are certainly looking to make their presence felt, and they’ve certainly chosen a capable name.

Kidd’s resume is built for this challenge. He has more than 25 years in racing, from crew chief to team director. At RFK Racing, he helped turn a struggling team into a contender. He spent five years on NASCAR’s Competition Advisory Committee, learning the rules, regulations, and strategies that teams live by. With Kidd in charge, Stellantis can unify engineering efforts, improve consistency, and push for competitive performance in both NHRA and the NASCAR Truck Series.

The move also strengthens Stellantis’ team partnerships. Kaulig Racing will field five Ram trucks in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Tony Stewart Racing and Direct Connection Engineering support Dodge in NHRA. Kidd will oversee all these efforts, ensuring that each program benefits from shared knowledge and tactics. In the past, Dodge and Ram operated separately. But with this change, it may give Stellantis the edge it’s been missing.

Kaulig Racing brings a new CEO for 2026

With Stellantis shaking up its motorsports leadership, Kaulig Racing is making bold moves of its own. The team has promoted Chris Rice from President to CEO. This will see him in charge as they gear up for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. The promotion signals Kaulig’s commitment to not just competing, but competing at a higher level.

Rice has been with Kaulig Racing since the very beginning in 2016. Over the years, he has been a key driver of the team’s growth. Under his guidance, the team grew from a small operation into a serious contender in both the Xfinity and Cup Series. Team owner Matt Kaulig summed it up. “Chris Rice is the real deal… his journey reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that define his sport.” His experience now positions Kaulig to handle the challenges of a larger, more competitive Truck Series effort.

Next season, Kaulig Racing will field five Ram trucks. This will be a significant expansion from their previous focus on the Xfinity Series. Rice’s leadership will be critical to making sure the new trucks, drivers, and engineers all perform smoothly as a unified operation.

With Rice at the helm, the team has a leader who knows the ins and outs of the organization, the series, and the demands of high-level competition. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Kaulig leverages its new leadership to make an impact alongside Stellantis in NASCAR’s Truck Series.