Ram 1500 NASCAR Concept Truck: All The Details

Ram is officially returning to NASCAR, ending a 13-year absence from the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with a new concept race truck unveiled at Michigan International Speedway.

The return, timed for the 2026 season, coincides with Ram’s broader product strategy, which includes 25 vehicle announcements over an 18-month stretch.

Branded under the name “Ram-Demption,” the comeback campaign reintroduces Ram to stock car racing and serves as a stage for the return of the 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

The truck revealed in Michigan previews Ram’s entry into the series and carries forward design elements from past sport-oriented pickups such as the Warlock, Rebel, and RHO.

But this isn’t a simple rehash of styling cues. The concept features a race-focused body shell, shaped for aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed cooling—core requirements for competition at this level.

Though purpose-built, it still shares a visual connection with Ram’s production models, creating a bridge between showroom trucks and their motorsport counterparts.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, acknowledged the longstanding requests from both customers and dealers for a return to NASCAR, suggesting the timing and technical readiness are finally aligned.

Previous proposals lacked a competitive foundation, he said, but the current approach offers the engagement and performance needed to reenter the series with intent. Kuniskis delivered the news in person during the trackside reveal, supported by promotional stunts that included HEMI-branded t-shirt launches and a donut demonstration trailer.

NASCAR executive John Probst welcomed the brand’s return, calling Ram a natural fit for the truck series based on its alignment with core values like durability and innovation. With truck owners making up a considerable portion of NASCAR’s fanbase, Ram’s reentry also serves a business logic beyond brand nostalgia.

Ram is backing its racing effort with a full media campaign. Footage from Darlington Raceway features the Ram concept truck in motion, surrounded by jets and the Goodyear Blimp, with multiple ad variations set to air across NASCAR channels and Ram’s own digital platforms

Central to the marketing is Mopar’s Direct Connection program, which is prominently displayed on the concept and expected to factor into Ram’s broader aftermarket strategy.

This move brings Ram full circle. The company left NASCAR’s truck series in 2012 to concentrate on launching the fourth-generation 1500, but its legacy in performance trucks never faded.

From the Power Wagon to the Viper-powered SRT10 and most recently the TRX, Ram’s catalog has remained connected to speed and capability.

With the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series serving as both proving ground and promotional venue, the brand appears intent on tying its motorsport history to the next wave of performance pickups.

More details on the racing program, including team announcements, are expected later this year.

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