Ram Announces MORE Drivers for 2026 NASCAR Season

Kauy Ostlien

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What’s Happening?

Justin Haley and Daniel Dye will return to full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series action in 2026 as part of Kaulig Racing’s five-truck effort with returning OEM Ram.

We've locked in two more.@danieldye43 and @Justin_Haley_ will drive @RamTrucks full-time in 2026 for Kaulig Racing! pic.twitter.com/jPhXU63NdF
— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) October 29, 2025

This announcement comes one day after Kaulig seemingly confirmed the end of their NASCAR Xfinity Series program. This move was rumored for some time, as the team needs to turn its focus towards preparations for the 2026 Truck Series season, in which they will be the largest full-time effort in the series.
Dye is a casualty of this move. After two full-time Truck seasons, the 21-year-old found himself promoted to Kaulig’s Xfinity Series program. Now, less than a year later, he takes a step back down to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Haley is another driver who recently found himself out of his ride. In late 2024, Spire Motorsports made the bold move of a driver swap with Rick Ware Racing, signing Haley to a long-term deal. But, after a disappointing season, Spire is moving on from Haley, resulting in his return to the Truck Series nine seasons after his last full-time effort in 2018.
They join 2025 ARCA Menards Series Champion Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen as full-time drivers for Kaulig during the 2026 season. The only Kaulig driver still unspoken for next season is Christian Eckes, who has yet to announce his plans for 2026.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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What Fans Think of NASCAR’s TV Coverage in 2026 (So Far)

by Bryan Aguiar

What’s Happening?

As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season gets underway, The Daily Downforce is once again tracking how fans feel about race broadcasts throughout the year, just as we did last year. This ratings tracker exists to capture fan feedback in a clear, consistent way across the entire season for each TV partner.

How the Tracker Works

After each Cup Series race weekend, we will post a fan poll asking one simple question: “How would you rate this weekend’s Cup Series broadcast?” And fans can vote and comment based on their overall viewing experience. This article will be updated weekly with the most recent race’s numbers added to the tracker.

Where and How to Vote

The poll is posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after each race.
Fans can vote directly in the poll with just one tap.
Replies and quote posts are also monitored to gather more detailed feedback for a separate article after the season is concluded

Participation is quick and open to everyone.

Tracker

Week	Network	Race	Votes	Good \| Average \| Bad	Source
1	FOX	Bowman Gray Clash	368	16% \| 43% \| 42%	Check the Poll HERE
2	FOX	Daytona 500	989	42% \| 46% \| 12%	Check the Poll HERE

Latest Poll Results

How would you rate FOX's broadcast of the Daytona 500?
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) February 15, 2026

Remember to follow The Daily Downforce on X to catch each weekly poll, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.

NASCAR Coming to The Crew Motorfest in New Free Update

by Bryan Aguiar

What’s Happening?

A new trailer revealed that NASCAR will be a part of The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming free season 9 update.

Ubisoft released a new trailer for The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming Island update, including a brief look at NASCAR racing as part of the new content
The NASCAR cars appear at the 1:08 minute mark of the trailer
The trailer shows officially licensed NASCAR Next Gen cars racing on an unidentified oval track
There are limited details on licenses, teams, drivers, tracks or gameplay mechanics, but the trailer shows the cars of Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Shane van Gisbergen, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain, and Ryan Blaney, all with official paint schemes and sponsors reminiscent of the 2025 season, confirming that the content present will be fully licensed by NASCAR
The collaboration is expected to feature a full playlist focused on oval racing disciplines such as drafting and pit strategy
Outside of the NASCAR content, Season 9 is likely to introduce a feature for building and sharing of custom tracks, as well as a new RC car playlist featuring miniature-scale racing

Will you be playing The Crew for this new update? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Kyle Busch’s Controversial Last Lap Move | Hamlin Defends Herbst | NASCAR Power Rankings!

by Bryan Aguiar

Denny Hamlin defends Riley Herbst, Brad Keselowski is furious, and Kyle Busch leaves everyone debating what it means to truly compete for a Daytona 500. The final lap at Daytona International Speedway sparked multiple completely different controversies that say a lot about modern superspeedway racing.

Was Riley Herbst’s late block just another split-second Daytona gamble, or did he truly cost Keselowski a legitimate shot at the win?
Is Denny Hamlin right to defend his driver publicly, even while admitting the wreck was on Herbst?
Did Kyle Busch make a savvy veteran points play by bailing out of the draft on the white flag?
Does backing out of the lead pack signal frustration, maybe even a bigger-picture mindset shift?

At superspeedways, instinct rules everything. Herbst reacted late, Keselowski paid the price, and Hamlin backed his guy. Meanwhile, Busch lifted from 25th, avoided the wreck, and gained ten spots, a move that looks smart in hindsight but could have backfired badly. In a new points-heavy format, are drivers thinking differently? We break down both moments, what they really mean, and whether everyone involved might actually have a point. Plus, early Cup Series power rankings to wrap it up.

Watch Also

Everyone Wants To Be The Hero | NASCAR O’Reilly Daytona Race Analysis