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With NASCAR craving a fourth manufacturer for over a decade, Ram’s decision couldn’t come at a more critical time. Toyota was the last new brand to join the series — and that was back in 2004.
Ram’s return means more than just another logo on a vehicle. It’s proof that big American brands still believe in the power of NASCAR’s massive fanbase. Despite years of decline, this move proves that stock car racing still has the fuel to fire up the nation.
And they’re not easing in quietly — they’re coming in loud, proud, and prepared to shake things up.
But hold onto your HEMIs — because the biggest twist might be who’s getting behind the wheel.
Documents obtained by Sports Business Journal suggest that Cleetus McFarland, real name Garrett Mitchell, is being considered as a driver in Ram’s new NASCAR Truck Series team. Yes, that Cleetus — the YouTube sensation with over 4.4 million subscribers and a loyal army of car-loving fans.
That subscriber count dwarfs NASCAR’s own following on the platform, which sits at just 1.38 million.
Mitchell isn’t just a social media guy playing pretend. In 2025, he made his debut in ARCA and raced at Daytona, Talladega, and Charlotte, grabbing a Top-10 finish twice and showing he’s got more than just charisma — he’s got real racing chops.
And NASCAR’s already leaning into his popularity, featuring his races prominently on their own social media. This is no gimmick — it’s a strategic play for a younger, highly engaged audience.
Ram didn’t quietly release a press statement. No, they launched a full-blown spectacle. The comeback party — dubbed “Ram-Demption” — was a red, white, and rumbling celebration of American muscle.
There were fireworks, celebrities, and even UFC legend Anderson Silva launching HEMI-branded t-shirts into the crowd.
Front and center was a Ram 1500 concept race truck, decked out in Gloss Black and Molten Red, looking every bit the part of a future champion. Styled like its Warlock, Rebel, and RHO cousins, the truck features advanced aerodynamics to handle the demands of high-speed racing and a snarling engine tuned for over 9,000 RPM.
WATCH:
This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a declaration of dominance.
Kuniskis made it crystal clear that the Truck Series is just the beginning:
“My intention is not to be a one hit wonder and go to Trucks but not Cup. That’s not our plan.”
Ram is aiming for at least four trucks on the grid for the 2026 Daytona season opener, and the endgame is obvious — getting back into the Cup Series where legends are made.
With Stellantis (Ram’s parent company) already owning Dodge — and the last Dodge Cup Series engine still holding up competitively — the pathway to top-tier racing looks wide open.
To top it all off, Ram is reviving its iconic 5.7-liter HEMI V8 for production trucks, blending the excitement of the racetrack with the power everyday Americans can put in their own driveways.
This strategic fusion of racing and production power might just be what saves NASCAR from its slump — and injects fresh energy into a sport hungry for a new chapter.
Between a thunderous return to racing, a viral fan-favorite driver, and a marketing rollout built like a Hollywood blockbuster, Ram just gave NASCAR a reason to believe again.
And for the fans? It’s about time.
