Tony Stewart, a prominent figure in NASCAR, is making a surprising return to the racing scene, set to drive a Ram truck during the highly anticipated Daytona race. Joining him is Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who is eager to see how this collaboration unfolds.
Ram, a brand that hasn’t competed in NASCAR since 2012, is not only looking to make a competitive comeback but also testing the waters for a potential return to the Cup Series. The company’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, emphasized that their initiative is about more than just winning—it’s about injecting excitement back into the sport.
The Ram trucks will participate in NASCAR’s Truck Series, going up against well-established rivals such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. This marks the first time a new manufacturer has entered NASCAR at the national level since 2007. This season will see Kaulig Racing serve as Ram’s primary partner, with the first race kicking off at Daytona International Speedway.
In a unique approach to recruiting, Ram bypassed traditional methods to select its drivers, opting instead for a competition-based reality show called “Race for the Seat.” This eight-episode series featured 15 contestants vying for a spot on the Ram racing team. The partnership extends to TKO Group, the parent company of UFC, WWE, and PBR, which reflects the crossover potential between NASCAR and mixed martial arts.
Dana White’s interest in this venture stemmed from his experience with reality shows, which significantly contributed to the UFC’s growth. His decision to collaborate with Ram was an easy one, especially given the success of shows like “The Ultimate Fighter.”
The reality series has garnered attention, with its first three episodes surpassing 400,000 views each, showcasing a promising start that could draw new fans to the NASCAR Truck Series. White aims to cultivate a broader audience by introducing viewers to the thrills of NASCAR racing and encouraging them to invest emotionally in the storylines and drivers.
Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell won the “Race for the Seat” and will take the wheel of the No. 14 Ram truck, competing alongside other notable names such as Brenden “Butterbean” Queen and Daniel Dye. Stewart, a celebrated NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup champion, will also participate in the race as part of Ram’s free-agent initiative.
Stewart acknowledged the challenges that come with starting a new team and expressed that a significant investment would be necessary to create a competitive program. Ram has been granted a one-time provision, allowing its trucks a guaranteed spot in the first three races even if they fail to qualify based on speed, allowing them to build their presence in the series.
With anticipation building, Kuniskis expressed optimism about Ram’s future in NASCAR, indicating a long-term goal of joining the Cup Series. He clarified that the brand being represented is Ram, not Dodge Ram, part of the broader Stellantis family.
As excitement mounts for the upcoming season opener, fans are keen to see how this fresh partnership can change the landscape of NASCAR and reinvigorate interest in the Truck Series.