Dana White, the UFC president, has become increasingly prominent in NASCAR’s Truck Series following a collaboration with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who sought White’s help to reintroduce the manufacturer to the competition. While White has played a significant behind-the-scenes role, questions remain about whether he might actually race in the same Kaulig RAM truck that Tony Stewart once drove. Fans and insiders are speculating on this possibility as 2026 approaches.
Adam Stern, commenting on White’s involvement, expressed uncertainty about the prospect of White racing but acknowledged the positive effects of his presence in NASCAR.
“I don’t know about him getting in the truck, but that’s pretty cool that he’s now involved in NASCAR. I think it’s, you know, helping,”
Stern said.
Stern also pointed out the expansion of NASCAR’s audience due to White’s popularity and media influence.
“He’s obviously got a huge following. Millions of social media followers and obviously the head of UFC and all these other properties, the sport’s gonna continue to be exposed to more people,”
he added. White’s attendance at major NASCAR events, including the Daytona 500, further underscores his strong interest in racing, even if a driving role appears unlikely.
White’s Role Behind the Scenes Versus on the Track
Although Dana White’s physical fitness and charisma might suggest he could handle driving a truck in NASCAR, the skill and experience required make it improbable that he will actually race. The #25 Ram truck fielded by Kaulig Racing is part of NASCAR’s free driver program, a seat Tony Stewart piloted at Daytona, but White’s involvement seems more executive and promotional.
White served as the executive producer for the eight-part FOX TV series Race for the Seat, where drivers competed for a spot with Kaulig Racing under Ram’s banner. Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell won the competition, securing the coveted seat. White’s work on the show highlights his commitment to nurturing new talent rather than stepping into the driver’s seat himself.
Historical Connections Between NASCAR and MMA Figures
The relationship between NASCAR and MMA is not new, as several fighters have engaged with the sport in various capacities. Though Dana White may avoid actual racing, other MMA athletes have participated in ceremonial roles. For example, UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje served as the honorary pace car driver at a 2017 Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway. At the time, Gaethje was an undefeated fighter quickly rising in popularity.
Similarly, Anderson Silva, during his peak as middleweight champion, took on pace car duties at Phoenix in 2011 as a special promotion. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate acted as Grand Marshal at Michigan in 2016, famously delivering the “start your engines” command. These moments illustrate the ongoing crossover between the two sports, highlighting NASCAR’s openness to diverse celebrity involvement.
Implications of Dana White’s NASCAR Engagement for the Sport’s Future
Dana White’s venture into NASCAR via the Truck Series brings fresh energy and attracts a wider fanbase, thanks to his vast social media presence and leadership of the UFC. While the idea of him competing in the Kaulig RAM truck remains speculative, his ability to amplify NASCAR’s visibility is undeniable. Adam Stern’s remarks encapsulate the current sentiment: the sport benefits from White’s involvement, even as doubts linger about his role as a driver.
As NASCAR continues to welcome prominent figures from outside motor racing, White’s influence might encourage further crossover events or collaborations. His partnership with Ram and Kaulig Racing positions him to impact the sport’s trajectory, potentially drawing more enthusiasts from mixed martial arts and other audiences. Fans will be watching closely to see if White transitions from executive and promoter to competitor on the track in the coming years.
Will we see Dana White in a Kaulig RAM truck? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WisUflYW7d
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) February 19, 2026
