Three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champion Colin Braun will take part in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this weekend during the 150-mile event on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, marking a significant Colin Braun NASCAR return. Braun will pilot the #25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing, as the Ram brand, owned by Stellantis, prepares to re-enter NASCAR competition after a 14-year hiatus starting in 2026.
From Early Stock Car Success to Endurance Racing Veteran
Braun’s career bridges both sports car and stock car disciplines. Early on, he transitioned from sports cars to development driving for Roush Fenway Racing—now RFK Racing—earning Rookie of the Year honors in the Truck Series in 2007 and securing a victory at Michigan International Speedway in 2009. More recently, Braun competed at St. Pete in the IndyCar Series two years ago, solidifying his diverse racing credentials.
I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, especially on such a cool weekend when they debut in St. Pete,
Braun said.
Ram’s program offers a fantastic opportunity to mix my endurance background with oval and street course racing. I’m thrilled Ram is giving me this chance. I have seen how much work the Kaulig crew is putting into getting this program started up, and giving them a great result would repay them for the hard work!
Notable Drivers from Endurance Racing Joining the Race Weekend
The St. Petersburg truck race will also feature appearances from two other well-known sports car drivers. Dario Franchitti, winner of the 2008 Rolex 24 and recently named a reserve driver for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, will pilot the #1 Tricon Garage Toyota Tundra. This event marks Franchitti’s first NASCAR appearance since 2008 and follows his return to motorsports earlier this year at the Michelin 24H Dubai after a career-ending IndyCar accident in 2013.
James Hinchcliffe, a respected Canadian driver known for his IMSA endurance efforts with Mazda/SpeedSource and Pfaff Motorsports, will make his NASCAR debut driving the #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado. Hinchcliffe has previously competed in the Repco Supercars Championship but has never before raced in NASCAR.
Supporting Races to Feature Established and Emerging Talent
The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup will hold a double-header event featuring guest drivers from Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, including Sébastien Bourdais with McCumbee McAleer Racing and Earl Bamber racing for Hendricks Motorsports. The MX-5 competition also includes the series’ regular drivers such as Jeremy Fletcher, Jared Thomas, Tyler Gonzalez, Gresham Wagner, and recent race winner Noah Harmon, ensuring a competitive field throughout the weekend.
Importance of This Weekend’s Event for NASCAR and Drivers
Colin Braun’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at St. Petersburg not only highlights the growing crossover appeal between sports car and stock car racing but also marks a crucial step as the Ram brand prepares to rejoin NASCAR in 2026. The event will showcase experienced drivers from multiple disciplines, bringing added excitement to NASCAR’s expanding reach on street courses. This weekend could set the tone for future driver collaborations and manufacturer involvement in the series, underscoring the evolving landscape of American motorsports.
