Justin Haley to Drive Full-Time for Kaulig Racing in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2026 Season
Justin Haley will return to Kaulig Racing to compete full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting in the 2026 season, piloting one of five RAM trucks that the organization will field. According to announcements made by team leadership, Haley is joined by fellow driver Daniel Dye as part of Kaulig Racing’s restructured national series lineup.
Fantasy & Market Impact
Restructuring the Garage: RAM Partnership and Xfinity Pause
The strategic roadmap for Kaulig Racing ahead of 2026 involves roster and series adjustments. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive,” Kaulig Racing Chief Executive Officer Chris Rice confirmed that the organization will “pause” its Xfinity Series program to channel focus into its NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series efforts.
A cornerstone of this operational shift is Kaulig’s alignment with RAM Trucks. Daniel Dye, who is completing his first full season with Kaulig in the Xfinity Series, will drive alongside Haley. Team owner Matt Kaulig highlighted the historical fit in an official team statement, noting, “Justin is an important part of our past, and I’m thrilled that he is returning to be a part of our very bright future. Daniel grew up in the RAM family, so it is super cool that he gets to represent RAM in their return to NASCAR.” Brenden “Butterbean” Queen rounds out the announced pilot roster for the five-truck stable, leaving two seats yet to be officially assigned.
Historical Context and Roster Dynamics
Haley is no stranger to the Kaulig organization. He previously piloted Kaulig’s Xfinity program from 2019 through 2021 and subsequently drove full-time for the team’s Cup program from 2022 to 2023. After logging laps this season with Spire Motorsports—and facing an impending exit from that organization at year’s end—Haley steps back into a familiar competitive ecosystem.
The addition of Dye and Haley creates a driver pairing for the returning RAM manufacturer effort. Dye brings seat time from his transition year in the Xfinity Series, while Haley brings experience across multiple NASCAR national touring divisions. The team has yet to announce the remaining two drivers who will complete the five-truck lineup.
| Driver | Manufacturer | Series Role |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Haley | RAM Trucks | Full-Time |
| Daniel Dye | RAM Trucks | Full-Time |
| Brenden “Butterbean” Queen | RAM Trucks | Full-Time |
| TBA | RAM Trucks | Full-Time (Seat 4) |
| TBA | RAM Trucks | Full-Time (Seat 5) |
The Road Ahead for Kaulig’s Expanded Fleet
Managing a five-truck operation while simultaneously maintaining a Cup Series footprint demands disciplined logistics. By stepping away from the Xfinity Series for the 2026 campaign, Rice and the Kaulig technical staff have eliminated the operational spread. As the remaining two seats in the five-truck RAM stable fill out, the garage will look to validate whether this concentrated focus delivers speed.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
