It finally happened.
NASCAR is getting a fourth manufacturer for the first time since 2012 (sans “Zombie Dodges”).
Stellantis will enter the NASCAR world through the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 through an old friend. Ram, which competed under the Dodge banner the last time it was in the Truck Series in 2012, will return to competition in 2026 as the ever-elusive fourth manufacturer that NASCAR’s been searching for since Dodge left in 2012.
The announcement came on the morning of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.
Now, who’s the driver, you may ask? Great question. The team(s)? Also a wonderful question.
My answer to both? Your guess is as good as mine.
Ram’s return announcement was nothing more than that — an announcement of a return. As it stands, no driver or team has signed with Ram. Which honestly, is kind of nice — the return of an old friend as NASCAR’s fourth manufacturer is big news, and NASCAR nation should certainly let that moment breathe before asking who will be Ram’s team(s) and driver(s).
But soon — likely by the time the Truck Series hits the track for its next race at Pocono Raceway — questions will be asked about next steps for Ram as far as teams and drivers.
The most logistical approach for Ram would be to sign an existing team to switch from its current manufacturer. The biggest question is who would switch?
Well, despite winning Michigan to snap a long winless drought, Stewart Friesen’s self-owned team, Halmar Friesen Racing has had next to no luck since switching to Toyota in 2020. A manufacturer change could help the No. 52 team find its way back up to the front consistently again.
HFR would also be a great test run for Ram before expanding, being that HFR is currently a one-truck program, with a second truck running here and there. Friesen running full-time for Ram in 2026 would give Ram a solid database for its re-debut season.
Of course, there is the rumor that GMS Racing could make a comeback with Spencer Gallagher as the driver.
The rumor mill has a claim that says that Gallagher and GMS would return with Ram as its manufacturer — when it shut down, it was running Chevrolets. There doesn’t appear to be much truth to the rumor at this time, though Gallagher conveniently returned to racing this season. When asked about a GMS logo on his firesuit at Rockingham Speedway, Gallagher redirected to discuss GMS Fabrication, which remains open.
Then, there’s the most recent rumor in the mill — one that seems to have some truth to it. One that involves a certain YouTube-star-turned-racecar-driver.
Garrett Mitchell, known much more commonly by his YouTube name Cleetus McFarland, has been linked to Ram’s return as a driver who could make Truck Series starts — though full- or part-time status is unclear.
That rumor was further perpetuated by Michael Waltrip during FOX’s broadcast of the Truck Series race at Michigan, where he openly stated that Mitchell would run a truck in 2026.
“You know what I’d like to announce?” Waltrip said. “Cleetus McFarland is going Truck racing. He’s gonna zig and zag, fly like a bald eagle.”
Now to be fair, Waltrip didn’t clarify if Mitchell would race this season or next, or if he would be with Ram. But the rumor is out there and must have some kernel of truth to it if someone like Waltrip is all but confirming the rumor.
All we know right now is that Ram is back in the sport. The next steps for the manufacturer will be crucial to help set itself up for long-term success.
But for right now, let’s let this moment breathe — 2026 will mark 14 years since the last time four manufacturers took the green flag at the beginning of a NASCAR season. This is a momentous occasion for NASCAR and should be celebrated as such.
It’s almost like a couple getting engaged — let the moment breathe before asking about wedding details. Let’s celebrate Ram’s return before asking about next steps. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
But that won’t stop us from making educated guesses, though.
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Its questionable to use uncorroborated Michael Watrop statesments a source :) I’ll give you credit for making it clear where the information came from.
I’ve been a Mikey fan for years, he is irritating and entertaining. I can only take so much of him at a time. I’m wondering if Cleetus McFarland is on the same career path?
I find the whole Garrett Mitchell saga fun and I want to see him race some more. He needs a lot more seat time to justify a full time ride in the upper divisions of racing.