Ram is officially returning to NASCAR, confirming it will rejoin the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series grid in 2026 after a 13-year absence. The announcement marks a significant comeback for the brand, which last participated in the series in 2012 and will become the first new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to enter a national NASCAR series since Toyota debuted in 2004.
The return was revealed during a high-profile event at Michigan International Speedway — a symbolic location in the heart of Detroit’s automotive scene and home turf for current NASCAR manufacturers Ford and Chevrolet. The launch featured a dramatic unveiling of a Ram 1500 concept race truck, painted in Gloss Black with Molten Red accents and branded with Mopar’s Direct Connection and the “Symbol of Protest” logos.
The concept truck, developed by Ram’s design team, blends race-ready aerodynamics with design cues from existing production models such as the Warlock, Rebel, and RHO. Key features include airflow optimisation for engine cooling at speeds topping 9,000 rpm, along with visual elements that firmly root it in Ram’s performance lineage.
“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR,” said Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis during the announcement. “Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s motorsport.”
Kuniskis also confirmed the brand’s ambition to field at least four trucks for the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway, although he acknowledged that securing team partnerships remains a crucial next step. “We’re looking for a date to the prom right now,” he said, noting that the success of Ram’s Truck Series campaign would influence any future move into the Cup Series.
This return is part of a wider strategic push by Ram, which recently confirmed the reintroduction of its 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine — a decision heavily influenced by customer demand. The brand’s NASCAR re-entry underlines its renewed focus on performance and motorsport relevance.
NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst celebrated the announcement, stating, “Ram returning to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is a major moment for the sport, and a sign that NASCAR remains a strong platform for blue chip brand partners.”
Probst further explained that a potential future entry into the Cup Series would require an 18-month lead time to allow for engine development and body approval. He also hinted at additional manufacturers possibly joining the sport, calling the current interest from OEMs “encouraging.”
Ram’s previous stint in the Truck Series spanned from the mid-1990s through 2012. During that time, it captured three manufacturer championships (2001, 2003, 2004) and helped drivers like Bobby Hamilton (2004) and Ted Musgrave (2005) secure championship titles. The factory-supported Cup Series programme ended in 2012 when Brad Keselowski clinched the Cup championship in a Dodge Charger.
Ram’s latest campaign — cheekily dubbed “Ram-Demption” — isn’t just a return to competition, but a clear signal of intent. With bold styling, performance engineering, and ambitions beyond the Truck Series, Ram is aiming not just to return, but to reshape its legacy in NASCAR.
“There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year,” Kuniskis said. “We are undoubtedly having fun with this project, and I truly look forward to sharing information on our team and how getting back on track relates to the future of Ram performance.”
Source: NASCAR | Stellantis via PR Newswire
