(Photo credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Ram will return to the NASCAR Truck Series competition in 2026.

The brand, then largely under Dodge ownership, won three manufacturers' championships (2001, 2003-04) and two driver titles -- Bobby Hamilton (2004) and Ted Musgrave (2005) -- when it previously competed in the Truck Series.

The announcement was made before the Cup Series event Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota currently manufacture the Truck Series competitors.

Ram, now part of global manufacturer Stellantis, has not had a truck in a NASCAR race since 2013. The last truck to join the circuit was the Toyota Tundra in 2004.

'I know that this is something that we have been talking about for a long time, and it's something that we don't get to do very often,' said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, of the introduction of a new truck. 'I think the last time we did this was over 20 years ago when Toyota entered our sport, so this is something that is a big moment for our entire sport and our existing competitors, potential new competitors, our [original equipment manufacturers].'

Tim Kuniskis, Ram chief executive officer, said hopes are to have at least four Rams in the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Ram is looking for at least one team partnership.

'We're looking for a date to the prom right now,' Kuniskis said.

Probst said he anticipates Ram will be 'pretty aggressive in getting a good team lined up in their camp to go run their banner,' adding discussions are underway with other manufacturers about adding other brands to the grid in the future.

--Field Level Media