Brenden “Butterbean” Queen Joins Kaulig Racing As First Ram Driver

ARCA Champion Set To Lead RAM’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Return In 2026

Robert S. Miller October 17, 2025

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen joins Kaulig Racing's Ram program. (Ram).

Kaulig Racing has officially named 2025 ARCA Menards Series (AMS) Champion Brenden “Butterbean” Queen as the first driver for its all-new Ram 1500 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) program. The announcement marks a major milestone for both Queen and Ram, as the brand gears up for its long-awaited return to NASCAR competition next season.

The Chesapeake, Virginia native — affectionately known as “Butterbean” — brings an impressive record to Kaulig’s growing organization. During his championship-winning 2025 AMS campaign, Queen notched eight victories and finished inside the top five in 17 of 20 races, showing consistency and grit throughout the season. His strong performance earned him a shot with Kaulig Racing in two NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) events, where he impressed with a ninth-place finish at Kansas Speedway.

Kaulig Racing joins Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. (Ram).

“A big thanks to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, Ram, and everyone at Kaulig Racing for this opportunity,” said Queen. “I’m just a short-track kid who’s worked hard every day, never really knowing if I’d ever make it to this level. I’m very thankful for this chance and can’t wait to get rolling with Ram and Kaulig Racing. The goals are simple: build a winning team and chase championships.”

Kaulig Racing, which recently announced plans to field five Ram 1500 trucks in the NCTS starting in 2026, has positioned itself as the anchor team for the brand’s official NASCAR return. With Ram stepping back into the paddock for the first time in more than a decade, the move signals a new era of competition for the automaker and its performance partners.

“It’s been amazing to see what Brenden is capable of, from winning multiple championships at his local short track to his dominant ARCA championship season,” said Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing. “He’s proven he deserves this opportunity, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the Truck Series next year.”

Queen’s path to NASCAR’s national stage has been built on perseverance and passion. Before his ARCA success, he captured the 2024 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour championship and won three consecutive Langley Speedway Late Model titles from 2020 to 2022.

The 28-year-old’s full-time NCTS debut will come at the Daytona International Speedway season opener on Friday, February 13, 2026 — a fitting stage for the start of Ram’s next racing chapter.