Kaulig Racing is set to bring (at least) a couple of familiar faces with them, as the organization makes the jump down to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 with RAM.
On Wednesday, the organization confirmed that Daniel Dye, one of the team’s current drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and Justin Haley, a former NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series pilot for Kaulig, will be a part of the team’s 2026 NASCAR Truck Series roster.
Haley and Dye join the likes of 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, who earlier this month was announced as the inaugural driver for the newly developed Kaulig-RAM manufacturer-supported program.
After jumping up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for this season, where he recorded eight top-10 finishes driving the No. 10 Chevrolet, Dye will return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
In his two previous full-time campaigns in the Truck Series — one for GMS Racing and another for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing — the DeLand, Florida-native managed to secure two top-fives and 10 top-10 finishes, which included a post-season berth in 2024.
The 21-year-old driver is eager to be a representative of RAM in NASCAR’s National Series, marking a significant return to his roots, which connects his past to his future.
“Getting to drive for Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series while representing RAM next year is truly special for me,” said 21-year-old Dye. “Some of my earliest memories are going to and from school and baseball practice in my dad’s RAM pickup, and when it came time for me to get my driver’s license, my first vehicle was a RAM 1500. It’s safe to say RAM has always been a part of my life, so I’m proud to be able to represent them.”
Also making a return to the Kaulig Racing organization is Justin Haley, a former race-winner in all three of NASCAR’s National Series.
The Winamac, Indiana-native played a significant role in the overall development of the Kaulig Racing brand, competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2019 to 2021, and taking the next step with the team when they moved to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022.
Haley has spent the last couple of seasons bouncing between NASCAR Cup Series teams, and after being released from Spire Motorsports at season’s end, will find a home in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under the direction of RAM, Matt Kaulig, and Chris Rice.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to race with Kaulig Racing again,” said Haley. “Matt Kaulig believed in me from a very early point in my career, and we’ve shared a lot of success together. It’s a blessing to be back home with Kaulig and help the team forge their way on this new journey in the Truck Series with RAM. I’m excited to be around people who have believed in me from the start, and that will give me all the tools and resources that we need to win races and compete for championships. This is an opportunity I’m very proud to be a part of; our goal is to build a solid foundation early on and use that to get Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Racing their first NASCAR Championship.”
In 53 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts, Haley has amassed three victories, 13 top-fives, and 33 top-10s, including a Championship 4 berth in 2018 while driving for GMS Racing.
“We’re thrilled to announce these two talented young drivers in the Kaulig RAM 1500 trucks,” said team owner Matt Kaulig. “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. Both drivers have great stories to tell that align and represent what we are building here at Kaulig Racing.”
Additional details on Kaulig Racing’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program will come at a later date.
