Richard Childress Racing Floated as No.2 Partner for Ram Trucks in NASCAR

Ram Trucks recently announced its partnership with Kaulig Racing for the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season. While Kaulig is said to be the only team to field Ram Trucks next year, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic has addressed the possibility of the American automaker partnering with Richard Childress Racing when it competes in the Cup Series in the future.

This is a high probability, especially given Ram Trucks’ ultimate aim of racing in the Cup Series. However, RCR’s long-term relationship with Dodge could come in the way of a potential partnership with Ram Trucks.

Ram Trucks raced under the Dodge brand in the Truck Series until parting ways with NASCAR after the 2012 season. It is separate from Dodge, although they are both commonly owned by Stellantis.

RCR currently makes engines via ECR Engines. When Bianchi was asked if the team could switch to manufacturing Ram Trucks/Dodge engines in the future in a mailbag article, he wrote:

“It’s still too early to definitely state which team(s) will join Kaulig in carrying the Dodge banner whenever it re-enters Cup, as there are several candidates, but Richard Childress Racing is an intriguing option — especially because of its engine program that could then supply engines to other Dodge-backed teams.

“Whether RCR would actually make the switch from Chevrolet to Dodge is another question. Since RCR first entered Cup back in the late 1960s, it has always fielded General Motors-branded cars (Chevrolet, Oldsmobile or Pontiac). Severing these ties would be something team owner Richard Childress, who values loyalty, would not do without great hesitation.

“But there are compelling reasons why RCR should consider a switch, if the option is there. Staying aligned with Chevrolet assures RCR will never rise above being Chevrolet’s No. 2 team, with Hendrick Motorsports cemented in the top spot. A hypothetical jump by RCR to a different manufacturer, however, presents an opportunity to be the top dog. If RCR wants to win its first Cup title since 1994, Childress might have to cut his longstanding ties with Chevrolet.”

Ram Trucks is currently focusing on its new partnership with Kaulig. The brand’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, said in a statement about the recently signed deal:

“We needed a partner that truly aligns with the Ram brand and embraces our unconventional approach to NASCAR. With Kaulig Racing, we found the perfect synergy to drive our ‘Last Tenth’ culture forward.”

The owner of Kaulig Racing, Matt Kaulig, added:

“This partnership represents far more than a new chapter in Kaulig Racing’s history, it’s a union of shared values. Over the past decade, our team has built a legacy rooted in performance, integrity, and giving back to the community. To now join forces as the anchor team for Ram’s return to NASCAR is both an honor and a responsibility. Together, we’re ready to set a new standard on race day and in the impact we make off the track.”