Ram Excites Fans with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Comeback in 2026

Ram is making its way back to NASCAR after more than a decade away from the track. The company revealed plans to field entries in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting with the 2026 season.

This marks the end of a 13-year break for Ram, which last competed in NASCAR-backed national events in 2013. The announcement took place at Michigan International Speedway, where competitors Chevrolet and Ford both have deep roots.

The event featured the debut of a bold new Ram 1500 concept truck, finished in a striking Gloss Black and Molten Red paint scheme. Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, discussed the brand’s return and hinted at ambitions that could go beyond just the Truck Series.

He spoke about the excitement within Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, and outlined how the team expects to be on track at the Daytona season opener in just eight months’ time. Kuniskis also made it clear that Ram’s approach to their comeback will set them apart from how other carmakers have entered the sport.

Since Toyota joined the sport in 2004, no other new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has entered NASCAR’s national series. John Probst, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer, explained that plans between Ram and the sanctioning body began to gather steam near the end of 2024.

He described the development as a major step for the sport, bringing fresh energy to NASCAR’s long-time group of auto manufacturers.

To match its motorsports push, Ram announced the return of its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine to its regular production trucks.

This comes after customer feedback pushed the company to bring back the popular powerplant, which had been discontinued. The revived engine sports a new “Symbol of Protest” badge, showing a ram’s head bursting out of a V-8 block, as a nod to the brand’s emphasis on muscle and performance.

Ram intends to have at least four trucks ready for Daytona in 2026, though the brand has yet to secure official team partners for the effort. Kuniskis likened the search for partner teams to finding a date to prom, indicating the brand is eager but still in need of key alliances before the new season begins.

Team partnerships are vital since without experienced teams on board, it will be tough to field strong entries in such a competitive series. Ram’s past in NASCAR goes back many years.

The company, previously known as Dodge Ram, raced in the Truck Series from 1995 until 2013 under different titles. Dodge trucks took home three manufacturer championships and produced champions like Bobby Hamilton and Ted Musgrave.

The last time Dodge competed in the Cup Series was 2012, when Brad Keselowski won the overall title with Team Penske.

Any move to bring Ram up to the NASCAR Cup Series will require an 18-month lead-up for development and approval of their engines and truck body.

John Probst said that Ram is not alone in its interest—other manufacturers have been in talks and could join NASCAR in the near future, but those decisions involve lengthy review and approval by each company’s top leadership.

The growing number of brands interested in NASCAR is seen as a signal that the sport continues to be attractive for carmakers.

Ram’s planned return is being carried out with a creative marketing push. Before the recent Michigan race, the company drew attention with a stunt involving a Ram 5500 performing burnouts near the track, signaling a strong commitment to both racing and fan engagement.

As for the future, fans can expect bold activations and unique experiences at the track. Ram’s sights are set on making an impact both on and off the circuit as the 2026 Truck Series season approaches, marking a notable moment in the ongoing evolution of motorsports similar to key moments seen in NASCAR’s recent developments.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.