Ram Returns to NASCAR: Chris Rice Reveals Kaulig Racing’s 5-Truck Plan for 2026

A major manufacturer shake-up is coming to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series — and Kaulig Racing is at the center of it.In this exclusive Race Industry Week by EPARTRADE interview, Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing, reveals how the organization is leading Ram’s official return to NASCAR with an ambitious five-truck factory-supported program in 2026 — marking one of the most significant OEM moves in recent Truck Series history.From first meetings in Auburn Hills to building Ram trucks in-house at Kaulig’s North Carolina campus, Rice walks through how a simple idea turned into a full-scale manufacturer comeback.🔥 Key Topics Covered in This Interview:• Ram’s official return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series• Why Kaulig Racing was chosen as Ram’s exclusive partner• Building five Ram trucks from scratch — bodies, operations, and culture• Running two OEMs under one roof (Chevrolet Cup + Ram Trucks)• From 12 employees to 140+ and growing• Confirmed drivers: Justin Haley, Daniel Dye & “Butterbean” Queen• A rotating mystery driver truck — “Who’s driving this week?”• A bold driver search program to find NASCAR’s next superstar• Chasing the Manufacturer’s Championship — not just race wins• Why Ram is changing the way OEMs market in NASCAR• Leadership, culture, and Chris Rice’s emotional, driver-first approach• How Kaulig Racing is becoming fully independent and future-proofRice explains why modern NASCAR success is about more than trophies — it’s about people, culture, innovation, and creating long-term value for manufacturers and partners.With Ram re-entering the sport, Kaulig Racing expanding rapidly, and new ideas around driver development, fan engagement, and OEM collaboration, this episode offers a rare inside look at how the next era of NASCAR Truck Series racing is being built right now.Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, team owner, sponsor, OEM executive, or industry professional, this conversation delivers insight you won’t hear anywhere else.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#NASCAR #NASCARTrucks#RamTrucks #KauligRacing#ChrisRice #RaceIndustryWeek#EPARTRADE #MotorsportsBusiness