The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season marks a new chapter with RAM making a comeback as the fourth original equipment manufacturer on the grid. This resurgence comes through RAM’s partnership with Kaulig Racing, which plans to field five entries for the upcoming campaign. This move signals an expansion and fresh competition within the series.
Reality Show ‘Race for the Seat’ Decides Kaulig Racing’s Final Driver
To select their fourth full-time driver, Kaulig Racing and RAM launched a reality television program titled ‘Race for the Seat.’ The series featured multiple episodes that tracked the progress of 15 aspiring drivers vying for the coveted position during the 2026 season. The competition attracted a diverse field, including Whelen Modified Tour competitor Michael Christopher Jr. and CARS Tour racer Landon Huffman.
The eighth and final episode revealed Mini Tyrell, a former CARS Tour driver, as the winner of the contest, beating out Dirt Late Model driver Carson Ferguson. The announcement was confirmed by motorsports journalist Joseph Srigley on X, officially naming Tyrell as the driver of the No. 14 RAM 1500 truck for the full season.
Srigley posted,
NEWS: @MiniTyrrell has won the RAM: Race For The Seat (@RaceForTheSeat) and will run full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for @Kaulig_Trucks, driving the No. 14 RAM 1500.
– Joseph Srigley, Journalist
The show also featured commentary from prominent figures such as UFC CEO Dana White and Kaulig Racing executives Tim Kuniskis, Matt Kaulig, and Chris Rice, adding expert analysis throughout the competition.
Tyrell Joins Established Kaulig Racing Lineup
At 21 years old, Mini Tyrell brings experience from the CARS Tour, where he has competed since 2019 and secured three wins in 2025. He finished fifth in last year’s championship, highlighted by a $50,000 bonus earned at the Throwback Classic. Tyrell’s addition completes Kaulig Racing’s full-time driver roster for 2026, joining Brendan ‘Butterbean’ Queen in the No. 12, Daniel Dye in the No. 10, and Justin Haley driving the No. 16.
In addition to these four full-time trucks, Kaulig plans to enter a fifth vehicle under a free agent program. This entry will feature veteran racer Tony Stewart, who will be taking on the challenge of this unique campaign.
Looking Ahead: What Mini Tyrell’s Entry Means for the 2026 Season
Mini Tyrell’s promotion through a competitive reality series reflects Kaulig Racing’s innovative approach to scouting talent in the NASCAR Truck Series. With RAM’s reintroduction and the expanded team presence, the 2026 season promises a more dynamic and competitive field.
As Tyrell embarks on his rookie season at the helm of the No. 14 RAM 1500, the series will be watching closely to see how his prior success in the CARS Tour translates on the larger NASCAR stage. His growth alongside experienced teammates like Queen, Dye, Haley, and the involvement of Tony Stewart presents fresh interest in the team’s development and the overall trajectory of the NASCAR Truck Series.
NEWS: @MiniTyrrell has won the RAM: Race For The Seat (@RaceForTheSeat) and will run full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for @Kaulig_Trucks, driving the No. 14 RAM 1500.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/dgTrqJhpdM
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) February 7, 2026
