Corey LaJoie, a seasoned NASCAR driver from Concord, North Carolina, will drive the No. 25 Ram 1500 truck for Kaulig Racing at Darlington Raceway on March 20, 2026. This appearance is part of Ram’s ongoing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series involvement as the brand prepares for a full-scale return in 2026, leveraging its Free Agent Driver Program to rotate skilled drivers in competitive equipment.
Ram’s Rotational Driver Strategy Aims to Keep Competition Fresh
The Free Agent Driver Program, introduced by Ram following a 13-year hiatus from NASCAR, is designed to rotate experienced and emerging racers in the No. 25 truck, rather than committing to a single full-time driver. This initiative seeks to maintain a competitive edge, provide various talents an opportunity to showcase their skills, and inject excitement into the team dynamics week-by-week.
LaJoie’s Racing Pedigree and Recent Campaigns
As the son of two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie, Corey carries a strong racing heritage. He has built an impressive racing record, including six wins in the ARCA Menards Series East and three victories in the ARCA Menards Series. Since entering the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014, LaJoie has competed in over 270 races at the sport’s highest level, earning several top-10 finishes and showing particular strength on superspeedways and road courses.
Recently, LaJoie has taken part in select truck races and served as a backup driver for RFK Racing’s Cup Series team. Despite a disappointing attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500—where a late crash in the Duel race prevented him from making the main event—he continues to pursue competitive rides.
Joining Kaulig Racing’s Growing Ram Truck Lineup
LaJoie becomes part of Kaulig Racing’s expanding Ram program, which will feature five full-time Ram 1500 entries in the 2026 Truck Series season. The team’s roster includes drivers Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and Timothy Tyrrell, making LaJoie’s involvement for Darlington a valuable addition of veteran experience to this strong lineup.
Ram’s Driver Rotation Builds Momentum with NASCAR Hall of Famer, New Talents
The Free Agent Driver Program debuted earlier in the season, launched by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart at Daytona International Speedway. Ty Dillon and Colin Braun have also driven the No. 25 Ram truck at EchoPark Speedway and the St. Petersburg Grand Prix weekend, respectively, drawing attention for the innovative approach of mixing veterans and newcomers in high-performance equipment.
It’s always fun getting to drive a NASCAR truck, especially at the track ‘Too Tough to Tame,’
LaJoie said. He expressed enthusiasm about the program’s fresh approach to the sport and his readiness to deliver strong results with Kaulig Racing.
Darlington Raceway: The Challenging Venue for LaJoie and Ram
Known as
“The Track Too Tough to Tame,”
Darlington Raceway is a 1.366-mile, uniquely shaped oval that demands both precision and strategy from drivers. The upcoming Buckle Up South Carolina 200, the Truck Series race scheduled for Friday, March 20, will span 147 laps covering just over 200 miles. Fans can watch the race live on FS1 starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ram’s NASCAR Return Signals Growing Commitment in Truck Racing
Ram’s reentry into NASCAR through Kaulig Racing reflects the brand’s strong ambition to compete at the highest level and increase its presence in motorsports. The Free Agent Driver Program’s blend of seasoned veterans like Corey LaJoie and promising newcomers creates a dynamic team capable of adapting and challenging consistently. This approach could enhance both driver development and fan engagement as the 2026 season unfolds.
