3 hottest names rumored to race Ram’s Kaulig Truck amid Tony Stewart's buzz

Ram’s Kaulig Truck program has become one of the most discussed topics heading into 2026. The early speculation around Tony Stewart created the first wave of attention, and the noise has only grown with Ram confirming a rotating driver lineup for its All-Star and Free Agent entries.

With Kaulig Racing building a five-truck fleet for next season, fans want to know who could fill the open seats beyond the confirmed full-time names. The Ram–Kaulig partnership became official in August, marking the manufacturer’s first NASCAR return in more than a decade.

Three full-timers - Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley - are already locked in. The remaining trucks include an All-Star entry for short-term appearances and the newly announced Free Agent program, which allows Ram to rotate drivers throughout the season without championship pressure. The structure makes part-time cameos realistic, especially for drivers without firm OEM ties.

Much of the early excitement centered on Tony Stewart because of his Mopar relationship in NHRA. However, Stewart’s NHRA schedule, the Elite Motorsports merger, and his ongoing drag racing commitments make a NASCAR return unlikely next year. Ram and Kaulig Racing have kept all options open for now as they move toward Daytona.

Here are three drivers who stand out as realistic part-time options for Ram’s Kaulig Truck next season.

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3 NASCAR drivers rumored to drive Ram’s Kaulig Truck in 2026

#3. Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne on the first night of the 2020 World of Outlaws Beaver Dam Bash. Source: Imagn

Kasey Kahne re-entered the NASCAR conversation this season when he made a surprise Xfinity appearance for Richard Childress Racing. He finished inside the top 15 at Rockingham and later said that he enjoyed being back in the garage. That single run showed he still has the pace to compete.

Kahne also fits the brand history of Ram’s Kaulig Truck. He was one of the most prominent Dodge-aligned drivers during the mid-2000s, and that connection still carries weight with long-time fans. His dirt racing schedule is flexible, and he has no manufacturer commitments that would block a one-off drive in Ram’s Kaulig Truck. Of the veterans mentioned, he remains the most practical short-term option.

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#2. Corey LaJoie

Corey LaJoie before the start of the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Source: Imagn

Corey LaJoie has become one of the most followed names in the speculation cycle. His late-season run of nine races with Spire Motorsports in 2025 drew attention for the right reasons. He put together three top 5s, handled mixed conditions well, and showed that he performs when given competitive equipment.

LaJoie recently said that he was “not entertaining” truck offers, but that has not slowed fan interest. The fit makes sense from Ram’s perspective. He brings modern NASCAR visibility, strong engagement, and a clean OEM slate. If Ram’s Kaulig Truck wants a recognizable Cup-level personality in its Free Agent truck, LaJoie checks every major box.

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#1. Cleetus McFarland

Cleetus McFarland (30) in the ARCA Menards Series Bush's Beans 200. Source: Getty

Garrett Mitchell - better known as Cleetus McFarland - is a wild card name gaining the most momentum. His ARCA starts in 2024 and 2025 gave him credibility after years of building a massive online motorsports following. He has two top-10s in his three ARCA races this year, including a P9 at Daytona.

What sets him apart is reach. McFarland will bring an audience that rivals major NASCAR teams. His content regularly pulls millions of views across YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, and NASCAR has already leaned on that exposure by spotlighting his in-car camera during ARCA events. That kind of visibility is exactly what Ram’s Kaulig Truck wants as it re-establishes itself in the NASCAR world.