Kaulig Racing Truck Program Taps Brenden Queen as First Entry for 2026

DECLAN WAYMAN - STAFF WRITER

Brenden Queen waiting for the national anthem ahead of his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Kaulig Racing in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Photo Credit: Declan Wayman

LEXINGTON, N.C. - Kaulig Racing has announced its first full-time driver for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, as reigning ARCA Menards Series champion Brenden Queen will join the team as they celebrate RAM's return to the series for his rookie campaign in the Truck Series. Queen, who is well known by fans as “Butterbean,” will pilot one of the five full-time RAM 1500s for the team. “A big thanks to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, RAM, and everyone at Kaulig Racing for this opportunity,” Queen stated on Thursday. “I’m just a short-track kid who’s worked hard every day, never really knowing if I’d ever make it to this level. I’m very thankful for this chance and can’t wait to get rolling with RAM and Kaulig Racing. The goals are simple: build a winning team and chase championships.” The Chesapeake, Virginia, native is well known for his short-track racing prowess, claiming the 2024 zMAX CARS Tour Championship in the Late Model Stock Division. He was also a frequent competitor at his hometown facility at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, winning three consecutive track titles from 2020 to 2022. Queen’s performance in 2025 has been nothing short of exceptional. After signing on to compete with Pinnacle Racing Group for the ARCA Menards Series championship, the 27-year-old kicked off the season with a thrilling victory at Daytona International Speedway, achieving this in just his second series start in February. He continued his impressive run by winning an additional seven races and securing 17 top-five finishes throughout the 20-race calendar, ultimately leading him to a dominant title victory. Kaulig Racing put Queen’s talent on full display with their NASCAR Xfinity Series program in their No. 11 Chevrolet entry after the ride was vacated following Josh Williams’ departure from the team. Queen thus far has made two Xfinity Series starts with the team, scoring a strong finish of ninth at Kansas Speedway in September. He is currently scheduled to compete in the final three events for the team at Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix. 

“It’s been amazing to see what Brenden is capable of, from winning multiple championships at his local short track to his dominant ARCA championship season,” said Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing. “He’s proven he deserves this opportunity, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the Truck Series next year.”

Announcements regarding which truck number and partners will support Queen throughout his 2026 rookie season will be announced at a later date, as well as the other four drivers that will play as teammates to the short track ace for the 25-race season.