Reimagining the Future: Justin Haley and Kaulig Racing Gear Up for the Truck Series Challenge
When Justin Haley left Kaulig Racing at the end of the 2023 season, he was eager to advance his career. Now, just a little over two years later, he makes his return to the team as they embark on an ambitious new journey: introducing the Ram brand back into NASCAR racing.
Chris Rice, the CEO of Kaulig Racing, recognizes Haley's significant contribution to their Cup program when he became their first full-time driver in 2022. Now, he has a pivotal role as the leader of the newly launched NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team.
"It was a stroke of luck that we could bring Justin back into our fold," Rice shared with NASCAR.com. "He played a crucial role in building our Cup program from the ground up, and now, he's set to help us shape our truck program. His presence will push us to continuously improve."
Securing Ram as a manufacturer was no small feat for Kaulig Racing. It required not only hiring new talent but also reshaping existing roles from their successful decade-long experience in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. The organization now boasts four facilities at its Welcome, North Carolina campus, which includes state-of-the-art trucks, a fabrication shop, and NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolets.
During the offseason, Kaulig has been busy constructing trucks, attaching bodies, and utilizing 3D printing technology. Rice, who has worn many hats in the NASCAR world, views the establishment of this five-truck startup team as one of the most challenging endeavors he has faced.
"With major backing from Ram, Stellantis, and Dodge, Matt Kaulig is determined to make this happen, no matter what challenges arise," Rice added confidently. "I'm fully committed to ensuring our success."
As the 2026 season kicks off with a couple of drafting-style tracks and then moves to the Truck Series' inaugural race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Rice believes it may take until mid-year—around June or July—before Kaulig truly understands their competitive standing. He noted that Ram drivers won’t even be able to access the manufacturer’s simulator until late April.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite these challenges, Haley feels no pressure. Having spent the last four seasons competing against the best in the Cup series, he has accumulated a wealth of experience, with 341 national series starts under his belt and eight race victories. Notably, he triumphed three times during his sole full-time Truck Series season in 2018 with GMS Racing.
"I haven't allowed myself to dwell on expectations for this year," said Haley. "Given my experience and the number of races I've participated in, I believe we should be competitive regardless of our starting point or the performance of our trucks. It's possible we might surprise ourselves with a strong showing, or conversely, we might face difficulties and need to take it step by step."
Haley candidly admitted that he was taken aback when Spire Motorsports chose not to renew his contract for the 2026 Cup season. He had enjoyed significant success with the growing team, including earning their first victory in 2019 at Daytona International Speedway. After rejoining Spire on a full-time basis through a rare in-season trade with Rick Ware Racing for Corey LaJoie late in the 2024 season, things took a turn.
After nine races in 2025, the situation became tumultuous when championship-winning crew chief Rodney Childers departed from the team. Despite the upheaval, Haley managed to secure one top-five and two top-ten finishes throughout the season.
"I really didn't see it coming," he reflected. "Taking a step back, I had several options and received numerous calls. Leaving to keep my career moving forward was a tough choice, especially after being with Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Racing for so long. The business side of racing can be challenging.
"I gave it my all, but the circumstances didn't always play in our favor. I felt like I was performing at my peak, doing everything possible. This sport is incredibly demanding, and I find it hard to comment on last year, as it's something I've tried to put behind me."
In navigating his next move, Haley sought guidance from AJ Allmendinger, one of his racing mentors. Returning to Kaulig seemed like the natural choice, a place he holds dear. His first race back with the organization will be during the Truck Series season opener at Daytona on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, NRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
"This opportunity means a lot to me, and I'm excited to build something special here," Haley expressed. "Winning Ram's first race at Daytona is something I deeply desire. I've daydreamed about it because it's the only series where I haven't claimed a victory at Daytona. Achieving wins across all three series at Daytona is a dream I've held onto, and I’m eager to accomplish that."
Having jumped among three different organizations in recent years before returning to Kaulig, Haley described this period as somewhat "strange." However, he maintained solid relationships with Kaulig and Rice leading up to his return.
There remains a potential path back to the Cup Series for Haley, but he also contemplates starting a family with his wife, which might lead him to consider racing less frequently. Occasionally, he still fires up his dirt modified, having recently raced at Volusia Speedway Park.
Kaulig Racing aims to establish a new manufacturer presence in the Cup Series, serving as a key partner team. This represents a significant opportunity for the organization since its inception in 2016.
"I’m thrilled that once they indicate they want to enter Cup racing, we’ll be ready to roll up our sleeves and make it a reality," Rice remarked enthusiastically. "I’m all set to get started!"
What do you think? Will Haley and Kaulig Racing succeed in this new venture? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
