Ram Is Coming Back to NASCAR
Ram’s return to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2026 is part of a product launch campaign that includes 25 announcements in 18 months…
Ram will join the field for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ending a 13-year break. On June 8, the brand unveiled a new Ram 1500 concept race truck that previews the design for next year. Returning to the racetrack marks a major milestone, part of an initiative for Ram that covers 25 product announcements over 18 months, according to company officials in a press release.
The news of Ram’s return to NASCAR was officially announced by Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand, during a live NASCAR event at the Michigan International Speedway. The event included a Ram 5500 hauling a custom trailer built specifically for smoky donuts, courtesy of Ram’s NASCAR concept truck, and Anderson Silva, Hall of Fame MMA icon, shooting HEMI-branded T-shirts into the crowd.
“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth, and following just didn’t fit our DNA,” said Kuniskis. “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.”
“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,” said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We are excited to welcome Ram back to the sport. Its identity includes high performance, durability and innovation—characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.”
Ram 1500 NASCAR Concept
The Ram 1500 concept race truck was created by the Ram design team. The concept resembles a production truck, adopting elements from the Ram Truck Sport lineup (Warlock, Rebel and RHO), but with an aerodynamic signature that allows enough airflow to cool a race engine that revs over 9,000 rpm. Body lines around the fenders and grille carry a familiar appearance, framing a large Ram logo.
The one-off body design is covered by a two-tone Gloss Black canvas with Molten Red. The Ram design team created a livery that complements Ram’s design DNA and highlights Direct Connection and Symbol of Protest logos. Mopar’s Direct Connection aftermarket unit is adding performance options for Ram trucks and has prominent signage on the concept race truck.
“There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year,” added Kuniskis. “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.”
The Return of the HEMI & Ram’s Future Strategy
Ram’s racing news is part of a celebration that includes the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 by popular demand, as orders open for the engine’s availability in the 2026 Ram 1500.
Ram exited factory support of NASCAR’s CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2012 after a 17-year run and focused on launching the new 2013 Ram 1500. Ram says that its return is one part of a strategy to build on the greatest variety of sport trucks and off-road enthusiast trucks the brand has ever offered.
