Have you ever ever needed to go actually quick in a truck? Ram has a contemporary alternative for simply that form of factor. The truck producer has introduced its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Sequence in 2026. And the Kaulig Racing crew has introduced an fascinating plan to place firesuit-clad butts behind the wheel.
Ram will institute a free-agent driver program through the upcoming season. The Kaulig Racing crew presently has three foremost drivers in place, and the fourth spot will see a contemporary sizzling shoe every race—that is proper, each week. Every new driver will likely be introduced on the Monday earlier than race day.
Crew proprietor Matt Kaulig stated in a press release:
‘The Free Agent seat provides us the pliability to usher in expertise whereas holding followers on their toes. Every driver will carry one thing distinctive to the crew. It is a new concept and precisely the sort of vitality we wish heading into 2026.’
Scorching is the proper time period right here, too, as these vans rip. The Craftsman Truck Sequence is actually a spec collection. There’s some variance allowed on the precise manufacturing of the motor, however they’re all primarily based on the identical design. You may have a modified, race-prepped LS able to producing as a lot as 700 to 750 horsepower when absolutely unrestricted.
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Supply: Ram
Groups can select to run with a carburetor or fuel-injection setup. A four-speed handbook gearbox sends the oomph out again to Goodyear Eagle tires. The minimal weight restrict is 3,400 kilos, absolutely loaded with a driver and gas. There’s no forced-induction or power-adders at play; it’s simply naturally aspirated excellence.
The truck have to be a monster to drive. That’s why this free agent program isn’t open to any geek off the road. It’s a must to be helpful with the metal. That is an open name to these already working on this planet of motorsport. Nonetheless, Ram plans to open the aspect curtain of the truck to drivers throughout numerous disciplines.
Ram says the primary free agent driver will likely be chosen after which revealed in February of 2026. This upcoming season marks the primary time again for Ram since 2012. That 1500 will lineup in opposition to competitors from Ford, Chevy, and Toyota. The primary race is scheduled for February 13 in Daytona, Florida.
The remaining chosen free agent drivers will likely be introduced simply earlier than every subsequent race. These drivers received’t compete for the general championship. As a substitute, Ram plans to supply a prize program primarily based on the most effective particular person on-track performances. The winner will declare their prize on the finish of the season.
It should definitely be fascinating to see which names emerge, and from what corners of the motorsport world they arrive.
I’ll go as far as to lift my very own hand. If Ram accepts the 24 Hours of Lemons as a legit type of motorsport, perhaps I might rely. In spite of everything, our crew runs an previous Ford Ranchero with a V-8 crate engine within the nostril. How totally different might it’s?
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