Have you ever ever needed to go actually quick in a truck? Ram has a recent alternative for simply that form of factor. The truck producer has introduced its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Collection in 2026. And the Kaulig Racing staff has introduced an attention-grabbing plan to place firesuit-clad butts behind the wheel.
Ram will institute a free-agent driver program in the course of the upcoming season. The Kaulig Racing staff presently has three essential drivers in place, and the fourth spot will see a recent scorching shoe every race—that is proper, each week. Every new driver shall be introduced on the Monday earlier than race day.
Staff proprietor Matt Kaulig stated in an announcement:
‘The Free Agent seat offers us the pliability to usher in expertise whereas protecting followers on their toes. Every driver will deliver one thing distinctive to the staff. It is a new concept and precisely the type of vitality we wish heading into 2026.’
Scorching is the right time period right here, too, as these vehicles rip. The Craftsman Truck Collection is basically 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’ve got a modified, race-prepped LS able to producing as a lot as 700 to 750 horsepower when totally 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, totally 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. You need 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 facet curtain of the truck to drivers throughout varied disciplines.
Ram says the primary free agent driver shall 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 shall be introduced simply earlier than every subsequent race. These drivers gained’t compete for the general championship. As an alternative, 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 would definitely be attention-grabbing to see which names emerge, and from what corners of the motorsport world they arrive.
I’ll go as far as to boost my very own hand. If Ram accepts the 24 Hours of Lemons as a legit type of motorsport, perhaps I may depend. In any case, our staff runs an outdated Ford Ranchero with a V-8 crate engine within the nostril. How totally different may it’s?
