Kaulig Racing Overview
Kaulig Racing is an American professional stock car racing team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2016 and owned by Matt Kaulig, the team is based in Welcome, North Carolina. Kaulig Racing fields multiple Chevrolet and Ram Trucks vehicles, including the No. 10 and No. 16 cars in the Cup Series, driven by Ty Dillon and A. J. Allmendinger respectively. The team is sponsored notably by LeafFilter and maintains a competitive presence in NASCAR’s top racing series.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Kaulig Racing was established in 2016 by Matt Kaulig, owner of the team’s primary sponsor LeafFilter. The team was created to compete initially in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with a technical alliance formed with Richard Childress Racing. Chris Rice was hired as CEO and general manager, bringing leadership and experience to the organization. The team began operations using the owner points of TriStar Motorsports’ former No. 8 team and set up its shop on the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, North Carolina.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
After its founding, Kaulig Racing quickly expanded its operations, debuting in the Xfinity Series in 2016 and gradually building its driver lineup and technical capabilities. The team fielded multiple cars and attracted drivers such as Blake Koch and Justin Haley, developing competitive programs that led to multiple race wins. In 2020, Kaulig Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series, fielding the No. 16 car part-time before committing to full-time competition in 2022. The team also expanded into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, announcing plans to field up to five trucks starting in 2026.
Kaulig Racing Competitive Journey
Kaulig Racing’s progression has been marked by steady growth from its Xfinity Series beginnings to full-time competition in the Cup Series and expansion into the Truck Series. The team has developed a reputation for strong performances on road courses and superspeedways, achieving multiple wins and playoff appearances.
Early Seasons and Development (2016–2019)
Kaulig Racing’s initial years focused on establishing a competitive presence in the Xfinity Series. Blake Koch drove the No. 11 car in the team’s debut season, securing several top-10 finishes and a seventh-place points finish. The team built momentum with drivers like Ryan Truex and Justin Haley, who brought consistency and race wins. Early sponsorship from LeafFilter and technical support from Richard Childress Racing helped stabilize operations and improve performance.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Xfinity Series (2019–2021)
The team’s breakthrough came with drivers Ross Chastain and A. J. Allmendinger. Chastain finished seventh in the 2020 standings with multiple runner-up finishes, while Allmendinger secured several wins, including multiple victories at the Charlotte Roval. Justin Haley also contributed with wins at Talladega and Daytona, helping Kaulig Racing become a consistent contender. The team clinched the Regular Season Championship with Allmendinger in 2021 and made multiple playoff appearances, signaling competitive stability and strategic growth.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2022–Present)
Kaulig Racing expanded into full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2022, fielding the No. 10 and No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 cars driven by Ty Dillon and A. J. Allmendinger. The team also announced plans to enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 with up to five Ram Trucks entries. Current leadership under CEO Chris Rice continues to focus on infrastructure improvements, technical partnerships with Chevrolet and Ram, and driver development. The team’s lineup includes experienced drivers and rising talents, aiming for sustained success across NASCAR’s top series.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Kaulig Racing emphasizes strong road course and superspeedway performance, leveraging strategic race management and technical alliances. The team’s identity centers on developing versatile drivers and maintaining competitive equipment, with a focus on consistency and adaptability across diverse track types.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Kaulig Racing’s first Cup Series win came in 2021 at the Indianapolis road course with A. J. Allmendinger. The team has accumulated 29 total race victories across NASCAR’s top series, including 27 in Xfinity and 2 in Cup. Notable moments include multiple wins at the Charlotte Roval and breakthrough playoff runs, establishing Kaulig Racing as a rising force in stock car racing.
Kaulig Racing Achievements and Results
Kaulig Racing has achieved significant success since its inception, with 29 total race wins and multiple playoff appearances. The team has not yet secured a drivers’ championship but continues to build toward that goal with strong performances and strategic growth.
NASCAR Cup Series Achievements
Since entering the Cup Series full-time in 2022, Kaulig Racing has earned two race victories, including a landmark win at the Indianapolis road course. The team fields competitive Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 cars and has secured multiple pole positions, reflecting rapid adaptation to NASCAR’s premier series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
Kaulig Racing’s roots in the Xfinity Series are marked by 27 race wins and consistent playoff contention. Drivers such as A. J. Allmendinger and Justin Haley have contributed to the team’s success, with Allmendinger winning back-to-back Regular Season Championships in 2021 and 2022. The team announced it will pause its Xfinity program after the 2025 season to focus on Cup and Truck Series competition.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
Kaulig Racing announced its entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting in 2026, fielding up to five trucks with Ram Trucks manufacturer support. This expansion marks a new chapter for the team, aiming to leverage its competitive strengths and manufacturer partnerships in the Truck Series arena.
