Dana White first teamed up with Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR in 2022. “I’m excited to be a part of it, and my two favorite things are fast cars and Howler Head,” he’d said. This statement by White showed his love for NASCAR and its fast cars, and that love only pulled the UFC boss deeper into the racing world. That love and passion for NASCAR is still there, especially now as Kaulig Racing gears up for a bold new push with RAM Trucks in 2026.

Kaulig, who is eyeing the field of five RAM cars in the truck series next season, is starting a fresh reality show to select a driver for one of their Truck Series entries, blending entertainment with raw competition.

But what ties it all back to White? A recent sighting hints at even tighter connections brewing.

Dana White’s surprise nod to Kaulig sparks fresh NASCAR buzz

On its X post, Kaulignation laid it out plain: “We’ve been talking about it for a while. The Kaulig/Ram show is coming. Expected to be produced by Dana White and, as far as we know, will be for ONE of the Kaulig truck rides. There’s some other Kaulig Racing news coming down the pipeline soon as well.”

This isn’t just talk but a sign of White’s hand in shaping Kaulig’s driver entry, much like his role in UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter, which has launched stars since 2004. Back in July, sources reported RAM eyeing a driver tryout series for its Truck Series comeback after a 13-year break, with White confirming to Sports Business Journal, “It is very possible.”

That tease aligns perfectly with the podcast scoop, pointing to a show airing in late 2025 or early 2026 to pick a driver for those two empty seats out of a total of five seats, as drivers of three seats are already picked (Justin Haley, Daniel Dye, and Brenden “Butterbean” Queen).

White’s link goes beyond words. At Friday’s UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-ins in New York, between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, White showed up in a black Kaulig Racing polo shirt. NASCAR fans on social media spotted it, fueling chatter about his growing stake in the team.

Dana White is wearing a Kaulig Racing/RAM shirt right now at the UFC 322 Cermonial Weigh ins 👀 pic.twitter.com/HQoaF5G9cI

— Cade Patterson (@CDP_5622) November 14, 2025

Remember, White voiced over RAM’s “Never Stop Being American” ad earlier this year, tying his UFC world to Stellantis’ racing return. This polo-shirt moment feels like a quiet endorsement, especially with RAM partnering with Kaulig to field those five trucks.

The timing couldn’t be sharper, as Kaulig locks in its 2026 lineup amid NASCAR’s silly season shuffle. White’s pull could turn this reality show into must-watch TV, much like his 2022 Trackhouse deal that boosted cross-sport hype.

That leaves fans wondering about the other open truck seat that’s got the paddock buzzing with big names.

Kaulig’s mystery seat draws heavyweight interest

Kaulig Racing is set to roll out five RAM Trucks in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series, with three spots already given to Justin Haley, Daniel Dye, and Brenden “Butterbean” Queen. And the fourth will be given to the reality show winner, leaving the fifth seat rumored to be given to veterans like Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. This rumored veteran pair is in the buzz because Dodge wants to revive its NASCAR legacy right from 2026, and the experience of these veterans will add value to that vision rather than young drivers in all five trucks.

Speculation hit peak excitement when Kaulig CEO Chris Rice dropped a cryptic line on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about potential drivers like Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. “We do not have a contract with either one of those guys,” Rice said. “Do we have conversations about those guys? Absolutely. Do we have conversations about everybody that drove a Dodge car? Absolutely.”

Stewart, the three-time Cup champ who’s been drag racing NHRA Top Fuel for Dodge lately, last wheeled a stock car in 2016. Kahne, who stepped back in 2018 for dirt ovals, appeared in Xfinity this season at Rockingham, where he got P14. But Kahne still has not spoken about his full-time return anywhere in the media.

Rice’s words echo past teases, like when he downplayed the RAM deal and Queen’s signing before it got confirmed. This suspenseful character of Rice keeps the drama alive as silly season heats up post the 2025 finale.