Rumor Mill: Are These the Top Candidates for Kaulig No. 10 in 2027?

What’s Happening?

With talks that Dodge could be on its way back to the NASCAR Cup Series by 2027, a few names are starting to emerge in the silly season rumor mill that could take over the team’s No. 10 car next season.

Kaulig Racing has existed in a state of flux this season.

Despite racing Chevrolet bodies, the fan-favorite team is without technical support from its longtime manufacturer.

However, the reason behind this is not all that bad, as the team has set itself up for long-term growth as part of its relationship with Stellantis brands Ram and Dodge.

While Ram returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, it’s no secret that, behind the scenes, Dodge is working toward a return to the sport, now rumored to be on track for the 2027 season.

If Dodge were to return to the Cup Series in 2027, this would make the offseason crucial for Kaulig. Most expect that veteran A.J. Allmendinger will return to his No. 16, but the bigger question is centered around the No. 10.

In fact, if a change were to happen in the No. 10 camp, Kaulig could look in-house for a driver.

What’s The Latest Talk?

In a recent YouTube video, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic listed two names who race for the team’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series effort as potential drivers of the No. 10 in 2027.

“There’s a lot of names that are going to be floated out there. We know in house at Kaulig Racing has Justin Haley and Corey LaJoie, both of whom have experience in the Cup Series, substantial experience in the Cup Series.” — Jordan Bianchi

Of course, Haley and LaJoie would be strong candidates should Dodge make it back to the Cup Series in 2027.

For one, Haley, who left the team after the 2023 season, is back at Kaulig and is often viewed by fans as an overlooked talent in the garage.

You could also say the same of LaJoie, who started the year as a part-time driver, but moved to full-time with Kaulig and Ram after Daniel Dye’s abrupt and controversial exit.

Bianchi suggests that these options could benefit the first-year relationship between Dodge and Kaulig through their veteran status, adding that there is still a lot of work to go if Dodge wants to field cars for 2027.

“The intent is that Dodge is going to be in the Cup Series in 2027, but there are no guarantees,” Bianchi said. “A lot of moving parts, a lot of things to figure out, a lot of things to make sure that everything’s buttoned up the way you need it to be to be a competitive team in the Cup Series.”

What About Ty Dillon?

While A.J. Allmendinger has been granted “lifer” status by Kaulig executives, his now second-year teammate and fellow Cup Series veteran Ty Dillon could be left out to dry if the team went this route in 2027.

Even as of this past weekend at Naval Base Coronado, it seemed like Dillon was the leading candidate to drive the No. 10 next year, with CEO Chris Rice telling media, “We’ve started some conversations with Ty.”

But it seems that Dodge joining the Cup Series could factor into the decision, with Rice noting in that original interview that, “[There’s] some things going on behind the scenes that we have to work through before we can finish conversations with the ten car.”

As a member of the Childress family, most fans often relate Ty to Chevrolet, though in the past, he has stepped over to Toyota when Chevrolet options were limited, so who’s to say this couldn’t happen again?

Nonetheless, Kaulig or Dodge has yet to confirm anything for 2027. If Dodge finalizes its program for the new year, it will likely be a relief for the team, as it can finally start focusing on the long-term future of its roster.

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