Among NASCAR’s upcoming series of changes and improvements, Ram announced plans last season to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series alongside Kaulig Racing, but not in the traditional manner. The brand seems ready to shake things up with an unconventional approach.
Rather than follow the tried-and-true route of choosing a driver from ARCA, Late Models, dirt racing circuits or similar proving grounds, Ram Trucks revealed its plan Friday to fill the final seat of its five entered trucks. The organization announced that a full-season race with Kaulig Racing in 2026 will be awarded to the winner of a reality competition developed in partnership with Thrill Sports Productions.
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“Race to the seat” will feature 15 pilots spread across eight episodes, premiering Sunday, January 25 at noon ET on FOX. The team had already revealed its intentions for the other four entries, with Brendan Queen, Daniel Dye and Justin Haley racing trucks full-time. The fourth truck operates as a free agent, fielding a rotating roster of drivers each race and remaining open to competitors spanning the entire motorsports spectrum.
Meanwhile, for the fifth place, among the 15 competitors, one driver will have the privilege to occupy the last seat of Kaulig Racing in Truck Series for the 2026 campaign, based on his heart, enthusiasm, attitude and an unquenchable thirst to complete 10 challenges. The winner must embody the culture of the “Last Tenth”.
Competitors will compete in various vehicles at venues spanning from Virginia International Raceway to South Boston Speedway as they fight for a legitimate chance at one of NASCAR’s national platforms. The competition champion will walk away with the opportunity of a lifetime, earning a full-time spot in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series behind the wheel of Kaulig Racing’s No. 14 RAM 1500.
The organization has recruited UFC President and CEO Dana White as executive producer of the program. White will also provide behind-the-scenes analysis, while Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis and the team owner Matt Kaulig will receive significant billing throughout the episodes.
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According to reportsModified racing stalwarts Mike Christopher Jr. and Austin Beers have both landed spots on the reality racing show’s cast.
Wolcott’s Christopher has established himself as one of the top threats in the SK Modified division at Stafford Speedway over the past few seasons, while also recording appearances with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series. He made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut last September at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, crossing the line in P13.
Beers, a native of Northampton, Pennsylvania, won his first Whelen Modified Tour championship in 2025, running machines for KLM Motorsports. He has also become a regular in recent campaigns with the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series and the Race of Champions Modified Series.
New episodes of the racing reality show will air on RAM’s official YouTube channel from January 26 to February 6. The program will simulcast on FOX Sports 1, giving viewers multiple opportunities to follow the drama.
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Whether that gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but it will certainly guarantee attention as 15 hopefuls battle for their big break on national television.
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