When Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis sat down with Chris Jacobs at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the conversation quickly turned from muscle cars to motorsports. Jacobs hinted that Kuniskis was already delivering on his earlier promises to bring Ram back to NASCAR competition.
“Well, you know, you mentioned a couple things in there that you’re making good on your plan to bring back in 2026,” Jacobs said. “You guys have announced your partnership with NASCAR. You’re going to have some Ram trucks running in the NASCAR series, right?”
Kuniskis confirmed it. “We will be in the Truck Series in Daytona this year,” he said. “I actually leave here this afternoon, fly down to Charlotte with our race team, Kaulig Racing, and we’re working on something the next couple of days that we’ll announce on Thursday. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Now, according to multiple sources, that “something” appears to be Ram’s rumored NASCAR reality show—one designed to discover the next generation of Ram Craftsman Truck Series drivers.
Ram’s NASCAR Reality Show Takes Shape –
In July, journalist Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, said that Ram began exploring the idea of a reality series. The concept would give aspiring grassroots racers a chance to earn a seat in one of Kaulig Racing’s Ram trucks for the brand’s full-time return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
The approach mirrors Roush Racing’s Driver X show from 2005, which launched several careers by pitting short-track racers against each other for a NASCAR ride.
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Now, it appears that cameras are finally rolling. Social media chatter—fueled by insider accounts like @nascarumornostalgia—suggests that filming may already be underway this week. That account listed potential drivers rumored to be involved, including dirt late model racer Carson Ferguson and late model competitors Landon Huffman and Mini Tyrell, the 2019 CARS Late Model Stock Rookie of the Year.
The list also mentioned names familiar to NASCAR fans, such as Conner Jones and Carson Brown, both of whom have competed in the ARCA Menards Series East. Despite being entered in this weekend’s All-American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, the timing doesn’t necessarily rule them out if filming is being scheduled around major short-track events.
Ram And Kaulig’s NASCAR Plan For 2026 –
Ram’s partnership with Kaulig Racing marks the brand’s long-awaited NASCAR comeback after more than a decade away. The 2026 program will consist of a single, five-truck operation under Kaulig’s banner.
Three full-time drivers have already been confirmed: Brendan “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley. That leaves at least two open spots—rumored to be reserved for an “All-Star” entry and a truck dedicated to the reality show’s winner or winners.
This structure supports Ram’s mission of connecting with fans through authentic, grassroots racing stories. Kuniskis has often highlighted the importance of staying true to Ram’s blue-collar, performance-driven roots. A show that gives everyday racers a path to NASCAR fits that philosophy perfectly.
Returning To Racing Roots –
Ram’s reentry into NASCAR is more than a sponsorship—it’s a statement. The brand built its image on hard work, toughness, and capability, and its return to the Craftsman Truck Series channels that same energy. The rumored TV show reinforces that identity, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the next wave of talent while showing Ram’s commitment to motorsports culture.
While neither Ram nor Kaulig has publicly confirmed the project, clues continue to mount. Several short-track insiders, including Matt Weaver, have noted driver absences at local races this week—further suggesting something big is happening behind the scenes.
For now, fans will have to wait for the official announcement—likely coming soon—to see which drivers will strap into a Ram and chase their NASCAR dreams.
Source: The Daily Downforce
