By Neha Dwivedi, Staff Writer

RAM is ready to shake up the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, joining Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota as the sport’s fourth active OEM, a long-anticipated return that’s been the subject of whispers for months. The move opens the door for broader manufacturer involvement, with talks reportedly ongoing about future entries, including Dodge, which could make its Cup Series comeback as early as 2028.

During NASCAR’s annual “State of the Sport” address before the Phoenix finale, Commissioner Steve Phelps confirmed discussions with multiple automakers are well underway.

“We’re thrilled that Ram is coming to the sport. Might that be followed up with them going to Xfinity or soon to be O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series? We’re hopeful,” Phelps said. “What we do know is it’s better to have more 0Es than it is to have fewer. We would like to have the portfolio of Dodge and Ram as part of the sport.

“Are we in other discussions with potential 0Es that would come into the sport? The answer is yes. Some are more advanced than others. There’s nothing to announce today.”

He hinted that while some negotiations were further along than others, no official announcements were imminent. Still, the enthusiasm around Ram’s arrival is quite apparent. Phelps added that the company’s leadership team, including Tim Kuniskis, is “over-the-moon excited” about rejoining the NASCAR family. It marks a homecoming of sorts for the Stellantis group, whose brands have a history in stock car racing.

Throughout the 2025 season, RAM insiders have dropped hints about Stellantis expanding its motorsport footprint, fueling speculation that Dodge could soon follow suit at the O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Xfinity) Series and the Cup Series level. Though no direct confirmation has surfaced, industry chatter suggests that Dodge’s nameplate could once again line up on NASCAR’s biggest stage, potentially reigniting one of the sport’s most beloved rivalries.

In Friday’s press conference, Phelps doubled down on NASCAR’s commitment to diversity among manufacturers.

“What we do know is it’s better to have more OEs than it is to have fewer,” Phelps reiterated. “We would like to have the portfolio of Dodge and Ram as part of the sport,” underlining NASCAR’s push to broaden its competitive landscape, an effort that mirrors its modernization of race formats, car designs, and fan engagement strategies.

As for RAM’s official debut, Kaulig Racing will head the brand’s 2026 Truck Series program with reigning ARCA Menards champion Brenden “Butterbean” Queen behind the wheel. Queen’s signing, announced last week, makes him the first of five drivers slated to compete in Kaulig’s Ram-based lineup. The 26-year-old has already turned heads with a reliable Xfinity stint, driving Kaulig’s No. 11 car in four races and cracking the top 10 at Kansas this year.

RAM’s entry marks a milestone moment for the Truck Series, swearing not only fresh competition but a renewed sense of manufacturer pride. For NASCAR, it signals the start of a new chapter, of having more manufacturers in the sport to make it more exciting for the fans.