Kaulig Racing addressed new rumors about its 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series roster during a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview. The discussion included ongoing speculation about Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. Questions grew after the team’s shift to RAM Trucks for 2026.
Chris Rice stepped in to give direct answers. He explained who the team has spoken with and who has no agreement in place. His comments cleared confusion around Stewart and Kahne. His message also showed where the team is placing its attention as the next season approaches.
Kaulig Racing continues to build its Truck Series program with confirmed drivers and open seats that will be announced later.
Chris Rice ends the rumors
Chris Rice responded to the speculation with a clear message. He said, “We do not have a contract with either one of those guys. Do we have a conversation about those guys? Absolutely. Do we have a conversation about everybody who drove their Dodge car? Absolutely, you put in there every single person that’s been in a Dodge car, right?”
“Let’s talk about Blaine Riggs’ dad. I think he drove a Dodge we were talking about him the other day, you know? I mean, so we’ve talked about all those guys, and are they? Are they going to drive a truck? I mean, if it’s available, we would love for anybody to drive a truck that would like to that’s driven a Dodge car before, or RAM, but there’s not, there is no contracts with us that they’re going to drive anything.”
“Yet, we have two other trucks that we have to announce the drivers for, and when RAM is ready to announce those drivers, we’ll do it. But as of right now, they do not have a contract with us.”
This addressed every part of the rumor cycle and clarified the status of Stewart and Kahne.
Kaulig Racing confirms its direction
Kaulig Racing has already named two drivers for 2026. Daniel Dye and Justin Haley will run full-time in the Truck Series. Dye comes from the Xfinity Series. Haley raced in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series. Their addition shows that the team is building around drivers with current NASCAR experience.
The team recently stepped away from the Xfinity Series after 2025. The Truck Series move is part of its long-term plan. Two more trucks remain open for 2026. Rice said those names will come once RAM approves the timing.
Why Stewart and Kahne were linked
The Stewart and Kahne rumors grew after several outside developments. Kaulig Racing switched from Chevrolet to RAM Trucks. Stewart ended his business relationship with Gene Haas. Kahne made a few race appearances across recent seasons.
Stewart is focused on a new merger with Elite Motorsports for drag racing in 2026. Leah Pruett Stewart plans to return to full-time racing. These commitments require attention away from NASCAR.
Kahne remains a known figure due to his past NASCAR results. His name surfaced because of his Dodge history, which aligns with Rice’s point about wide-ranging conversations.
Rice’s comments confirm your expectations. The team has discussed many names, but no deal connects Stewart or Kahne to a 2026 Kaulig Racing truck seat.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Kaulig Racing CEO Denies Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne Rumors for 2026 Truck Series appeared first on Heavy Sports.