Ram Announces Return To NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series With New Concept Race Truck For 2026

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Ram is set to make a comeback in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2026 after a 13-year hiatus. This return is part of an ambitious product launch strategy featuring 25 announcements over 18 months. The brand recently unveiled a Ram 1500 concept race truck at Michigan International Speedway, marking the beginning of their journey back to NASCAR.

The unveiling event was highlighted by a Ram 5500 towing a custom trailer designed for performing smoky donuts, showcasing the capabilities of the new concept truck. Anderson Silva, a Hall of Fame MMA fighter, entertained the crowd by launching HEMI-branded T-shirts into the audience. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand, officially announced Ram's return during this live NASCAR event.

Rejoining the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series aligns with Ram's strategic goals, as over 40% of NASCAR fans are truck owners. This move provides Ram with an excellent platform to showcase its high-performance trucks. John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, expressed excitement about welcoming Ram back to the sport.

The newly revealed Ram 1500 concept race truck was crafted by the Ram design team. It incorporates elements from the Ram Truck Sport lineup while being aerodynamically optimized for racing. The truck features a distinctive two-tone Gloss Black and Molten Red design with prominent logos from Mopar's Direct Connection aftermarket unit.

Ram's return coincides with the reintroduction of the popular 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine in the 2026 Ram 1500 model. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand their lineup of sport and off-road trucks. The brand has a rich history in performance vehicles, including models like Power Wagon and SRT10 Viper Truck.

The "Ram-Demption" marketing campaign accompanies this announcement, featuring Tim Kuniskis driving the NASCAR concept truck at Darlington Raceway. Various versions of this campaign video will be aired across different media platforms to engage audiences further.

Expanding Product Offerings

In addition to its racing endeavors, Ram is enhancing its commercial vehicle offerings. The new 2025 Chassis Cab line introduces improvements aimed at better serving customers and upfitters. These efforts are part of Ram Professional's focus on commercial offerings and B2B expertise.

Ram continues to lead in key areas important to truck buyers, such as torque and luxury features. Their lineup includes models like the luxurious Ram 1500 Tungsten and off-road capable Power Wagon. These vehicles highlight Ram's commitment to innovation and performance excellence.

As part of Stellantis' global presence, Ram offers a diverse range of products worldwide, from compact pickups to ProMaster vans. This global reach ensures that they remain competitive while maintaining pricing power through innovative products and services.

This strategic return to NASCAR not only highlights Ram's commitment to motorsport but also reinforces their dedication to delivering high-performance vehicles that resonate with both fans and customers alike.