Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice has pledged full commitment as the team prepares for its entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with driver Justin Haley. The North Carolina-based team announced in August 2025 that it will debut in this third-tier series with RAM backing, marking a significant expansion of their racing program.
After leaving Kaulig Racing in 2023 to pursue his Cup Series career with Rick Ware Racing, Justin Haley is returning to lead the team’s new Truck Series effort following a stint with Spire Motorsports during the 2025 Cup season. Rice emphasized Haley’s important role in building Kaulig Racing’s Cup Series presence and now expects him to spearhead the Truck Series initiative from its inception.
The CEO expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying,
“For someone like Ram, Stellantis, and Dodge to be behind us, Matt Kaulig will jump through fire to get to do it. I’m all in to make sure it happens.” – Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing CEO
Justin Haley also shared his perspective on the upcoming season, choosing to remain open-minded about the team’s performance,
“I haven’t allowed myself to think about expectations for the year. I think it’s obvious with my experience and how many races I’ve done in NASCAR that I feel like we should be competitive no matter where we’re at or how good our trucks are. We may go out and be good and surprise ourselves, or it might be really bad, and we have to slowly work on it.” – Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing Driver
Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series debut is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at the Fresh From Florida 250 held at Daytona International Speedway. In addition to Haley’s entry, Kaulig Racing has enlisted former NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart to compete in the #25 truck during the 100-lap event on the 2.5-mile oval.
Insights on Tony Stewart’s Return to NASCAR with Kaulig Racing
In a January 2026 interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Chris Rice candidly discussed the decision to include Tony Stewart in Kaulig Racing’s expanded Truck Series roster. Originally planning to field three trucks, the team increased to five entries, seeking to inject excitement and visibility by bringing in a high-profile driver. Stewart’s involvement aligns with the partnership between RAM and its affiliates.
Rice highlighted the significance of Stewart’s return and its broader impact on the sport, commenting,
“I think with Tony coming back, you know, and showing that it’s great to have RAM back in the sport, that’s a big deal. That’s a big deal for the sport. That’s a big deal for Kaulig Racing. That’s a big deal for RAM. So, you know, I’m pumped to spend some time with Tony and talk to him about, you know, him running his own program and the goods and bad.” – Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing CEO
The news elicited mixed reactions from the NASCAR community. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a former Xfinity Series champion, noted that Stewart’s choice of Daytona for his comeback was surprising, citing that Stewart last competed in NASCAR in 2016 and last raced in the Truck Series in 2005. Despite this, Kaulig Racing and its partners remain optimistic about Stewart’s participation and its value to the series.
What This Means for Kaulig Racing and the Truck Series
Kaulig Racing’s entry into the Truck Series, supported by key manufacturers and led by experienced drivers like Haley and Stewart, signals a strategic commitment to broaden their influence across NASCAR’s top levels. Haley’s leadership role aims to lay a strong foundation for the team’s growth in this division, while Stewart’s involvement adds star power and draws attention to the series.
The Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona will serve as a critical debut that could shape the team’s trajectory and reputation in the Truck Series moving forward. Success or challenges faced during this initial race and season will provide insights into Kaulig Racing’s ability to balance expansion with performance amid a competitive field.
As the season unfolds, fans and industry insiders will watch closely to see if Kaulig Racing’s bold entry and strategic alliances translate into sustained competitiveness and influence within NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
