Ram Trucks returns to NASCAR after a 14 year absence with Kaulig Racing field five trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series. Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and Brenden Queen have all signed on to be full time drivers in three of the five Ram Trucks. One truck is being reserved for the “Free Agent Driver” with the final spot being decided by a reality competition among 15 drivers from a variety of racing formats. Over eight episodes, the drivers will compete in different disciplines to earn points. The driver who earns the most points will earn the right to drive a Ram Truck for Kaulig Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
After the first day of racing in Legends cars Casey Kelley won the race and took home the $5,000 prize.
Day two is road course racing in go-karts with Michael Christopher Jr and Kade Brown battling it out for the big prize. The youngest driver in the group, 19 year old Kade Brown won the race and takes home the prize.
In a return to Virginia International Raceway, the 15 drivers compete in Late Model stock cars for some more road course racing. Casey Kelley becomes the first two time winner in the competition.
Taking a break from racing, the drivers have to face the media…the drivers are being judged on how well they can handle a press conference.
And a BBQ at the driver’s house with Matt Kaulig, Kaulig personnel, and family. Tim Elliott provides some musical entertainment.
More media exposure with filming a commercial. The driver’s have five minutes to make their commercial to sell a Ram Truck with Mini Tyrell edging out Michael Christopher Jr to win the $5,000 prize. Christopher had his hat on backwards.
Next up, it’s back to Late Model racing on the oval at Caraway Speedway. Jared Fryar won the race and took home the trophy.
Endurance and fitness are just as important as knowing how to drive. This episode the drivers climb into the simulator and face a physical fitness challenge. They also got a tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame from Greg Biffle. Ryan Gemmell won the simulator challenge with Carson Ferguson taking the fitness challenge.
In the next to the last episode, the drivers travel to South Boston Speedway for another round of Legend cars but this time there’s a chicane of cones to navigate. Tanner Reif put his car into the wall. Carson Ferguson won the race and the trophy. With the win, Ferguson takes over the points lead by one point in the competition to win a spot driving in the Truck Series for Kaulig Racing.
It’s the final episode the drivers return to South Boston for some Late Model racing under the lights. It all comes down to Carson Ferguson and Mini Tyrell to compete for The Seat. This time around the winner of the race wins $50,000 and will earn a spot to drive the 25 truck for Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series race at Martinsville.
In the final race to determine the winner, Carson Ferguson will join race winners Landon Huffman, Mini Tyrrell, and Jared Fryar for the big prize.
Mini Tyrrell wins the Race for the Seat and will be driving the 14 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing.
Carson Ferguson wins the race, the $50,000, and a ride for Kaulig at Martinsville!
Tyrrell spoke on his win via a team release saying, “I’m just overwhelmed. Winning ‘Race for the Seat’ is something I never in a million years figured would happen. I came into this hoping to learn a thing or two, grow a bit, and see if I could hang with a bunch of great drivers. I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart for my family, for everybody who’s been in my corner, and for Ram and Kaulig Racing for this opportunity — taking a chance on a kid that comes from grassroots racing and elevating me to a professional level. I’m gonna work my tail off to make everybody proud.”