When the brand new worker hogs the boss’s consideration, issues is probably not so nice. As Ram prepares for its grand return to NASCAR in 2026, pleasure is constructing. Nevertheless, so is the frustration about one facet of Ram’s arrival: the brand new OEM rule. Constituting a form of free ticket to the primary three races of the Craftsman Truck Collection, this rule elicited a annoyed response from Dale Earnhardt Jr. But regardless of the legend’s disapproval, NASCAR boldly owned it.
NASCAR shrugs at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s needs
“Consider this was a NASCAR program. To be completely candid, I’m not a 100% certain on what got here first, rooster or egg there, whether or not Ram got here to us. However my understanding was this was one thing that we needed to place in place to type of act as a security web for a brand new OEM. Not Ram particularly, however anybody shifting ahead,” NASCAR managing director of communications through the second season debut of the “Hauler Speak” podcast.
Commercial
Ram is a part of Stellantis, which additionally owns Dodge. The final time Dodge participated in a NASCAR race was in 2012. Since Truck Collection races are restricted to 36 vans, NASCAR has instituted a brand new OEM rule. It ensures as much as 4 further beginning positions for Ram for the primary three races of the season, within the occasion of failing a qualifying occasion. This implies there may very well be as much as 40 vans within the first three races of the 12 months. And was not completely happy about this.
“If I had been a brand new OEM I might reject this provision and demand to earn my spot,” the veteran wrote on X. The change successfully implies that if any of Kaulig Racing’s 4 vans fail to qualify, they’re nonetheless locked into the race. Moreover Dale Earnhardt Jr., actor-turned-racer additionally voiced his disapproval. “So pathetic,” the motive force of the Reaume Brothers Racing Ford mentioned.
The rule resembles the Open Exemption Provisional instituted in 2025, and that had additionally attracted backlash. 4-time IndyCar champion Helio Castroneves bought into the Daytona 500 even after failing to qualify. Now, as Ram seeks to make the most of NASCAR’s further assist, a wave of discontent is ruling the group. Nonetheless, the highest brass shouldn’t be bothered, because the plan is to increase this rule to the Cup Collection as nicely.
Commercial
“If Dodge exhibits a return to the Cup Collection, I gained’t be stunned if we see one thing like this once more when that occurs,” Forde continued. “So I believe this was some learnings from 2007 and even earlier. Like I mentioned, to trace new OEMs and make their entry into the game just a little bit smoother.”
And preparations to scale up from Vehicles are already underway with a star on board.
Wooing the cream of the game
Ram introduced its NASCAR arrival in June 2025. And clearly, the formidable quotient of the OEM has been unmatched with its thrilling bulletins. For example, Kaulig Racing’s fifth Ram Truck seat will go to the winner of a reality-show competitors. Whereas this can throw the highlight on a number of upcoming drivers, one particular person will stand out. That’s none apart from four-time NASCAR Cup Collection champion .
Commercial
The 54-year-old racer, who presently competes full-time within the NHRA, will compete within the season-opening truck race at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. He’ll wheel the No. 25 Ram Truck, marking his first race in NASCAR since 2016. One motive for selecting Stewart was his 19 wins throughout quite a lot of collection in Daytona. Another excuse pertains to Ram’s larger plans.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis hopes he can deliver again Dodge to the Cup Collection in 2027-28. “We’re not simply returning to the observe; we’re rewriting the playbook,” Kuniskis mentioned. “Bringing Tony in as the primary ‘free agent’ will generate a loopy quantity of pleasure. Which is strictly why we created this system — permitting followers to observe an all-time favourite driver get again into the seat. However this time, it’s a Ram truck.”
With a complete plan forward, Ram is a packing a variety of warmth. Let’s see how the OEM performs as its seat is assured within the first three races of 2026.
The submit appeared first on .
