Ram Charges Back Into NASCAR With New 1500 Race Truck

Earlier this week, I had the chance to witness history in the making at the Chrysler Technical Center (CTC) in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Ram unveiled its brand-new 1500 race truck—marking the brand’s official return to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series after a 13-year absence. The concept truck, built by Ram’s design team, makes its public debut today at the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

It’s been a long time coming. For more than a decade, fans and dealers have begged Ram to get back into NASCAR. Now, they’re doing it their way—with bold design, power under the hood, and a strategy that puts performance first.

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis made the big announcement live at Michigan International Speedway, revealing that Ram plans to hit the track in February 2026—likely at Daytona—with at least four trucks. “For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR,” Kuniskis said. “The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth, and following just didn’t fit our DNA. Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s Motorsport.”

Ram’s entry into the series is more than just a comeback—it’s a full-throttle move that taps into a fan base where over 40% are truck owners. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series provides Ram with a natural platform to showcase the strength, style, and capability of its upcoming truck lineup, featuring 25 product launches planned over the next 18 months.

John Probst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, echoed that excitement. “Ram returning to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is a major moment for the sport, and a sign that NASCAR remains a strong platform for blue-chip brand partners,” he said. “Its identity includes high performance, durability, and innovation—characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.”

The Ram 1500 NASCAR concept truck revealed at CTC looks wild in person. It draws inspiration from the Ram Warlock, Rebel, and RHO models, but reworks the body for maximum aerodynamic performance. The large Ram logo up front exudes confidence, and the two-tone finish—Gloss Black over Molten Red—gives it a striking appearance. Direct Connection branding stands out on the side, along with a nod to Ram’s “Symbol of Protest” ethos.

It’s clear Ram is having fun with this return—and doing it on its own terms. “There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year,” Kuniskis added. “We are undoubtedly having fun with this project, and I truly look forward to sharing information on our team and how getting back on track relates to the future of Ram performance.”

Seeing the truck up close before anyone else—and now watching it roar onto the big stage at MIS—this feels like more than a comeback. It’s a statement.

Ram 1500 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Concept Image Gallery: