It’s not every day you see a piece of NASCAR’s golden era come roaring back to life, but that’s exactly what Brian Keselowski has done with his family’s legendary Dodge Ram NASCAR Craftsman Truck. After sitting apart from the Keselowski family for nearly 18 years, this iconic race truck has been restored, modernized, and reunited with the man who knows it best.
The story begins with the Keselowski racing legacy. Brian, the son of former Truck Series driver Bob Keselowski and brother to NASCAR Cup Series team owner Brad Keselowski, has deep roots in American stock car racing. The truck itself was once piloted by Dennis Setzer under the K Automotive Motorsports banner, competing during one of NASCAR’s most competitive eras. Brian even worked on the truck back in its active racing days, making this restoration more than just a project — it’s a personal journey.
Thanks to the Stapleton42 YouTube channel, fans got an in-depth look at the build. Mitchell Stapleton joined Brian for the reveal, walking viewers through the painstaking process of bringing the Dodge Ram back to track-ready condition. From the bodywork to the authentic Mopar livery, every detail reflects the pride and passion of a true racing family. Brian also had help from his brother Brad and uncle Ron Keselowski, making this a full family affair.
After the restoration, the truck’s return to competition came at the HSR NASCAR Classic at Watkins Glen International. Unfortunately, Brian’s run was cut short after making contact with the barrier in Turn 7, causing damage to the tail section. Now, the hunt is on for a replacement tail piece from a 1995–2001 Dodge Ram — though a Chevrolet version could also work with minor modifications.
Despite the setback, Brian is determined to get the truck looking right again. Worst case, a mold will be made from an original panel so the part can be reproduced. Given the Keselowski family’s determination, there’s no doubt this Dodge Ram will be back in action — looking and running like the day it left pit road nearly two decades ago.
