Ram’s NASCAR comeback after 10 years revs up America’s racing scene

After being away for over a decade, Ram announced its brand’s NASCAR comeback with the Craftsman Truck Series campaign starting in 2026, as part of its powerful product launch trend that has seen 25 announcements in mere 18 months.

Indeed, a 13-year break from the NASCAR competition has finally come to an end for Ram, which will initiate its return with a high-octane reveal of a new Ram 1500 concept race truck at Michigan International Speedway, according to a press release from June 8.

Ram 1500 NASCAR comeback concept

Specifically, the Ram 1500 concept looks a lot like a production truck, featuring elements from the Ram Truck Sport lineup (Warlock, Rebel, and RHO). However, it has an aerodynamic signature to slip through the air efficiently, yet providing enough airflow to cool a race engine that revs over 9,000 rpm.

Furthermore, body lines around the fenders and grille frame a large Ram logo that makes the truck stand out, while a two-tone Gloss Black canvas with Molten Red lower covers the one-off body design. The livery highlights Direct Connection and Symbol of Protest logos.

As Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram brand, said in an announcement during a live NASCAR event at the Michigan International Speedway venue that saw a Ram 5500 hauling a custom trailer designed for smoky donuts:

“There will be more details on our NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program later this year. (…) We are undoubtedly having fun with this project, and I truly look forward to sharing information on our team and how getting back on track relates to the future of Ram performance.”

According to John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, Ram’s “identity includes high performance, durability, and innovation – characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.”

Meanwhile, Ram is also marking a popular demand return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 as it begins accepting orders for the engine’s availability in the 2026 Ram 1500.

Speaking of racing, the Nissan Formula E team has launched its first-ever video game called ‘NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo,’ a retro-inspired arcade game created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida, to mark the arrival of the FIA Formula E World Championship to Japan in May.

Featured image courtesy of the Stellantis website.