Kaulig Racing built its reputation in the Xfinity Series with memorable wins and consistent performance. The team notched 27 victories in that series, with standout performances from A. J. Allmendinger, whose 16 wins drive the team’s all-time total, showcasing their strength on both superspeedways and road courses.

In 2025, the Xfinity program faced headwinds, as it recorded 0 wins, managed only 6 top-5s, and saw its average finish drop to around 18.3 across 93 races. This has ultimately made them take a hard call, closing their Xfinity program for 2026 and focusing on Trucks. If it’s any relief, it’s not a permanent exit.

Xfinity pause, not goodbye

Chris Rice opened up on SiriusXM, voice thick with feeling. “This Xfinity Series is where we were born and raised. We have made a choice that we need to focus really hard on our Truck program and our Cup program to push it forward. So you guys will see us back in the Xfinity Series in the coming years, but we’ve got to pause it for a little bit.”

Rice’s words carry weight. Kaulig Racing’s rise began in the Xfinity Series. Founded in 2016 by businessman Matt Kaulig, the team started as a single-car operation with Blake Koch before blossoming into one of the series’ elite organizations.

Under Rice’s leadership, Kaulig captured 27 Xfinity Series victories with drivers like A.J. Allmendinger, Justin Haley, and Daniel Hemric, including wins at marquee tracks such as Daytona, Indianapolis, and Charlotte (Racing Reference). Its first victory was an iconic one when Ross Chastain won at Daytona in 2019, celebrating in his trademark melon-smashing style post the win.

But with Kaulig now set to lead RAM’s return to NASCAR, building five factory-backed RAM 1500 entries for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series, Rice says the organization’s resources need to shift toward sustaining growth and competitiveness in other series.

He continued, “Sorry for the emotion. It’s been some emotions for me over the last month as we made this decision. It’s not like we want to. We really don’t have a choice.” That emotion is understandable. Kaulig’s Xfinity operation wasn’t just successful; it was the heartbeat of the team’s culture.

From Allmendinger’s unforgettable win at the inaugural Indianapolis Road Course race in 2021 to Haley’s consistency that propelled the team into the Championship 4 in 2020, Kaulig Racing built its brand on effort, optimism, and community.

Now, with RAM re-entering NASCAR for the first time since 2012, when Dodge last competed with Brad Keselowski’s championship-winning effort, the manufacturer has entrusted Kaulig to lead its Truck Series comeback.

Rice went on to reflect on what Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity legacy means to him personally. “We got a lot of people, as you’ve seen in that picture. I’m very thankful for everybody that has made that program. Twenty-seven wins and so many top-fives, but we’ve got to pause it until you see us come back.”

That gratitude extends to the hundreds of team members who helped grow Kaulig from a single Xfinity entry into a full-fledged NASCAR organization now spanning three national series.

The Xfinity program has been Kaulig’s testing ground for driver development, engineering growth, and crew talent, a pipeline that helped launch its Cup Series program in 2022 and sustain steady progress against established giants like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Finally, Rice made sure to set the record straight about Kaulig’s long-term vision. “We are not leaving the Xfinity Series, but we didn’t have a choice. We’ve got to focus on our RAM trucks, and we’ve got to focus on our Cup program. As much as we love the Xfinity Series, we’re not quitting, we’re pausing.”

His phrasing echoed Kaulig’s now-famous team motto, “Trophy hunting,” a reflection of the organization’s willingness to evolve without losing sight of its roots. While 2026 will mark the first season in a decade without a Kaulig Xfinity entry, Rice’s assurance suggests this is a strategic intermission, not a farewell.

The Xfinity pause fuels the Truck fire. Kaulig rolls five RAM 1500s in 2026, Dodge’s first factory play in years. Brenden Queen, the fresh ARCA champ, will anchor the lineup. And it doesn’t stop there.

Kaulig loads RAM trucks

Along with Queen, Daniel Dye and Justin Haley now join the haul. Dye, 21, drops from Xfinity’s rookie year to familiar RAM ground. Two full Truck seasons sharpen the edge. Haley returns home after his Cup stint with Spire, swapped for Suarez. Four Xfinity wins, three Truck triumphs, 2020 Cup third-place shine.

“Proud to announce I’m returning to Kaulig Racing, this time with @Kaulig_Trucks! It’s hard to put into words what this means. This team believed in me from the very beginning, and to come full circle with people like (team president) Chris Rice and (team owner) Matt Kaulig, who have always supported me like family, means everything. I couldn’t be happier and prouder to return home with Kaulig and Ram Trucks!” tweeted Haley.

Factory backing blends youth and vets. Queen’s momentum, Dye’s hunger, Haley’s know-how. Two seats open; the build grows. Xfinity’s pause powers this RAM roar. Kaulig evolves, eyes trophies across series.