Ram Returning to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026

Ram officially announced its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand, officially announced Ram's return to NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. This ends a 13-year hiatus for the manufacturer in NASCAR.

Ram will be the fourth manufacturer in the NASCAR Truck Series, joining Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. 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,” said Kuniskis. “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.”

The Ram 1500's entrance into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is part of a drive for Ram that includes 25 product announcements over 18 months.

"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,” said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We are excited to welcome Ram back to the sport. Its identity includes high performance, durability and innovation – characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the Craftsman Truck Series.”

The announcement included an unveiling of the Ram 1500 concept race truck, adopting elements from the Ram Sport Truck lineup.

There are no announcements at this time regarding which teams will be part of the Ram Trucks return to NASCAR.

“There will be more details on our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program later this year,” added Kuniskis. “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.”

Ram’s racing news is part of a celebration that includes a return of the 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8, as orders open for the engine’s availability in the 2026 Ram 1500.

Ram departed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2012 following a 17-year run dating back to the series' inception in 1995. Under the Dodge banner, Ram trucks won the series championship in both 2004 and 2005 with Bobby Hamliton and Ted Musgrave.

Ram is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker Stellantis.

-Photo credit: Laurel Sloan