As Stellantis prepares for Ram’s highly anticipated return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, the manufacturer has added a key figure to its motorsports leadership team: Kevin Kidd, a seasoned NASCAR engineer and former crew chief, will serve as North American Motorsports Competition Director.
Kidd’s appointment comes roughly a month after the announcement that Kaulig Racing will anchor Stellantis’ five-truck effort in the Truck Series next year. The move signals the company’s growing investment in U.S.-based racing, including both NASCAR and the NHRA.
Best known for his technical acumen and innovative approach, Kidd has held numerous roles within NASCAR over the last two decades. Kidd served as a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series in one race with Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2008, leading Elliott Sadler to a top-20 finish in his lone Cup start atop the pit box.
Between 2008 and 2018, Kidd made his mark in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, calling 171 races as a crew chief. He earned four wins with top-tier talent, including Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Matt Kenseth, and he notched victories at iconic venues such as Darlington Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Beyond his pit road presence, Kidd also served a five-year term on NASCAR’s Competition Advisory Committee, giving him a deep understanding of both engineering and regulatory frameworks.
Kidd, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing an MBA from MIT Sloan, is excited to merge technical expertise with a forward-thinking racing philosophy at Stellantis.
“The intersection of engineering and competition has always been my passion,” Kidd said in a company statement. “Stellantis’ innovative approach to motorsports, especially alongside Kaulig Racing, presents a unique opportunity to push boundaries.”
He added that he’s eager to bring “fresh ideas” to the table as Stellantis builds its foundation in the Truck Series and strengthens its presence in the NHRA.
In his new role, Kidd will oversee competition strategy for both Ram’s NASCAR Truck Series program and Stellantis’ NHRA partnerships, working closely with Kaulig Racing, Tony Stewart Racing, and Direct Connection Engineering. He will report directly to Tom Sacoman, Senior VP of SRT Performance Division Operations.
Sacoman said Kidd’s hiring aligns with Stellantis’ philosophy of thinking beyond conventional norms.
“Our unconventional approach to competition demands a leader who can think differently,” said Sacoman. “Kevin is exactly that. His reputation in racing, combined with the capabilities of our teams, will help deliver on our ‘Last Tenth’ performance philosophy.”
As Stellantis accelerates its motorsports ambitions in North America, Kevin Kidd’s leadership will be key to building a competitive foundation in both NASCAR and NHRA disciplines. With Ram’s return to the Truck Series just over a year away, the groundwork is already being laid for a high-impact debut, and Kidd’s experience could be the edge that makes a difference.
