NASCAR fans are in for a treat as RAM has announced its return to the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, marking the first time in four decades that the series will feature four manufacturers. With plans to field four to six teams at Daytona in February, excitement is brewing among fans who are eagerly anticipating the brand’s comeback.
The announcement was made by RAM, a Stellantis brand, on Sunday, June 8, after a 13-year absence from NASCAR. The Ram 1500 concept race truck, inspired by popular models such as the Warlock, Rebel, and RHO, was unveiled at the Michigan International Speedway. The truck’s body will undergo NASCAR approval and wind tunnel testing, with final approval expected by mid-August.
Veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass shared the news on social media, sparking discussions among fans about potential team partnerships for RAM in the Cup Series. Speculations about Penske switching to Dodge and Trackhouse partnering with Dodge have been circulating online, with fans expressing their enthusiasm for the brand’s return to the top-tier series.
One fan even mentioned the possibility of a Dodge Cup return, stating that having four manufacturers in each series would be great for the sport as a whole. The anticipation for RAM’s entry into the Cup Series is further fueled by the ongoing discussions surrounding NASCAR’s next engine rules package.
In addition to RAM’s comeback, popular automotive YouTuber Cleetus McFarland is rumored to be in talks to join the Craftsman Truck Series with RAM in 2026. With over 4.4 million YouTube subscribers, McFarland’s large social media following makes him an attractive candidate to help boost RAM’s visibility in NASCAR.
McFarland, whose real name is Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, recently made his ARCA debut and has shown promise with top-10 finishes at Talladega and Charlotte. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the prospect of McFarland joining RAM’s Truck Series program has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities, the return of RAM and the potential addition of Cleetus McFarland to the Craftsman Truck Series signify an exciting chapter in the sport’s history. With fans eagerly awaiting the brand’s debut at Daytona in 2026, the future looks bright for NASCAR and its growing fan base.
