RAM is making its return to NASCAR’s national scene, and it’s doing so in a big way by naming Kaulig Racing as its flagship team for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. The deal means Kaulig will field up to five RAM 1500-branded trucks, marking the first time RAM (a division of Stellantis) has backed a factory team in NASCAR since 2012.

Kaulig Racing previously announced the signing of Brenden “Butterbean” Queen as a full-time driver. Queen, who recently captured the ARCA Menards Series championship, is recognized for his skill and momentum as an emerging force in American stock car racing. And now they’ve got two more drivers on board.

Kaulig’s RAM push

Kaulig Racing just made one of the boldest moves of the offseason, officially welcoming Justin Haley, the seatless Cup Series driver, back into the fold as part of its new RAM Truck Series lineup for 2026.

Haley, who found himself without a Cup ride after 2024, now headlines a five-truck factory-backed effort that also features rising talent Daniel Dye and reigning ARCA champion Brenden Queen.

For Haley, it’s less a step down and more a homecoming. After spending five seasons with Kaulig, including a Championship 4 berth in the 2020 Xfinity playoffs, he now returns to where his NASCAR climb truly began. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to race with Kaulig Racing again,” Haley said.

“Coming back to launch this Truck program means a lot to me.” The move gives the 25-year-old a fresh start and a real chance to chase trophies with a familiar organization now backed by RAM’s factory muscle.

Daniel Dye, meanwhile, finds his footing in the same program. The 21-year-old wraps up his Xfinity rookie season at Phoenix before dropping into the Trucks, calling it a full-circle moment with the brand that fueled his racing childhood.

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“Getting to drive for Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series while representing RAM next year is truly special for me,” Dye said. His connection to the RAM name runs deep — from hauling his first kart to towing family trailers, it’s part of his story.

Together, Haley, Dye, and Queen form a diverse trio: a proven Cup veteran, a promising young driver, and a newly crowned ARCA champion. For Kaulig Racing, the move signals more than expansion as it’s a statement of intent. With five RAM 1500s set to hit the grid, Kaulig’s “trophy hunting” mindset just found its next frontier.

The Truck shuffle spills into Phoenix, where Stefan Parsons grabs the Spire No. 7 wheel for the season closer.

Parsons’ Phoenix debut

The 27-year-old driver, son of Phil and nephew to Benny, marks his eighth national start of 2025, sixth in Trucks. Five runs with Young’s Motorsports stayed clean, with results no better than 12th, no worse than 25th.

Parsons knows the dance. National rides since 2018, mostly Trucks. Last year’s 11 starts with Henderson bringing a career-best sixth and three top-10s. The No. 7 “All-Star” truck packs heat with 12 top-10s, eight top-fives, and two wins across 10 drivers like Kyle Busch, Hocevar, Haley, Yeley, and Emerling. Parsons steps into proven speed.

“Spire always brings fast trucks to the track, and I’m ready to go out there and make the most of it,” said Parsons.

Spire started hot with four full-time haulers: No. 7, No. 71 for Rajah Caruth, No. 77 for Andrés Pérez de Lara, and No. 07. Post-Watkins Glen cuts hit as Pérez de Lara was out, the No. 07 parked, and points shifted to the No. 77 under Corey LaJoie. The finale caps a wild year; Parsons aims to shine in the chaos.

Kaulig loads RAM for 2026 battles while Spire closes 2025 with Parsons in the mix. Trucks keep churning as seatless stars find homes and new brands roar in. The ladder bends but never breaks.