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Ram Charges Back Into NASCAR With New 1500 Race Truck

FIRST LOOK: At Ram’s Bold 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Entry

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 1500 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Concept. (Ram).

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.

Ram 1500 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Concept. (Ram).

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.

Ram 1500 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Concept. (Ram).

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:

 

 

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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Nascar is at is again. The Truck and Car are purpose built Racecars now that have nothing in common with anything produced. The Engine are now also so tightly regulated that it has nothing in common with anything produced. Nascar has been in the decline since Bill passed and Brain took over, the current competition ruleset is comical.

I would say that it still has value in a advertising platform not a s motorsport, but that has greatly diminished, Maybe at this point it easy you pick a engine builder and slap a grill on the front with the appropriate stickers on a charter team, and your in business again. Maybe there is no football to pull at this point.

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Completely lost interest in NASCAR when Ram and Dodge left. I’ll be back when I have someone to root for. Years ago I got to ride along in a Petty NASCAR race car and enjoy the VIP treatment at race sponsor’s infield tent and view the race from the owners box so I really was deep into the sport. Still have the desire to attend races but only if Dodge and Ram are racing.

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Never watched NASCAR, but I might start now

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Never watched NASCAR, but I might start now

If you like motorsports ... its a hard watch. One of the biggest issue is that it is completely contrived to has as random a ending as possible. There is no set race distance, restart favor the odd numbered positions, the leaders are punished for incidents elsewhere in the field, they are divided up into sections but not really heats, race yellows are issued to engineer outcomes and close leads.... and the biggest issue and this was not always the case*, Purposeful contact is not punished, almost encouraged. So it sort of the WWE of motorsports...... Sports entertainment.

*I watched the very moment when Nascar made this decision. Like almost legit Motorsport everywhere in the world Nascar stewards would punish purposeful contact, especially if it resulted in major lose of position or elimination from competition, As series goes it was inline with USAC and the driver sent to longest line. Not as harsh as others but reasonable for a fender'ed series. Dale Earnhardt was becoming increasingly popular and continued the push the boundaries of what was permitted. The Intimidator... As he became more aggressive, he became more popular, along with the series. He more often than not used contact to pass. I believe it was Loudon(short oval in any case) when Ricky Rudd had a nice lead and on that particular track with a preferred racing line not easy to overtake. Towards the end the 3 drove deep into the corner and Just punted Rudd. Clear penalty, went on to win the race. People Celebrated. Rudd was incredulous in the post race... Why is the 3 at the top of podium? Why wasn't he sent to back..... He had become too popular to punish, the show was more important then integrity of the sport. Nascar a regional race series became a marketing monster... but unstainable at that point.

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