Kaulig RAM Secures First Top‑Five Finish Amid Grueling 2024 Season
Since RAM returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with a fleet of five Kaulig Racing entries, the campaign has posed a relentless test. Without access to simulation software or comprehensive driver data, the team launched the season blindfolded into a heavily contested field.
Yet despite these obstacles, the group collected a total of fifteen top‑ten finishes, culminating in Bristol—a landmark victory for the Kaulig RAM operation. Justin Haley captured a fourth‑place result in the series’ highest finish, marking the sole top‑five achievement of the organization.
“Absolutely, this was a fantastic night for everyone at Kaulig Racing, RAM and Stellantis,” Haley told Motorsport.com’s Matt Weaver after the Bristol event. “After dropping to ninth at New Hampshire roughly a month ago—our final appearance beforehand—we were far from this outcome. I’m incredibly proud of the entire Kaulig team.”
The young driver admitted that the circumstances brought mixed sentiments: “To lower expectations simply a bit, yes. However, there is genuine pride in seeing how much progress has been made. Driving for Kaulig Racing under Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice is an honor I intend to sustain until the end of my career,” he continued.
“It’s been demanding, and this past year has been particularly tough, but overcoming the hurdles has been worthwhile.”
Haley reflected on the evolution of the roster, noting that several trucks had performed substantially. Justin Haley earned third‑place (#18) alongside Brendan Queen (21st), Regan Smith (23rd) and Toby Tyrrell (26th).
Ty Dillon, driver of the #25 Kaulig RAM, Justin Haley, driver of the #16 Kaulig RAM, and Brenden Queen, driver of the #12 Kaulig RAM
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Haley’s success offers the whole crew a clear benchmark for future efforts, prompting a look inward at the workshop that crafted the victories. “Proud of every person involved,” he emphasized, adding gratitude to the engineers and mechanics. “Finishing fourth in a truck race is remarkable, and I appreciate the collective determination that made this possible.”
The latest milestone underscores the magnitude of the work behind the numbers, reinforcing the potential the team possesses when all pieces align.
Building a team from the ground up
Justin Haley, No. 16 Kaulig Racing RAM
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
Haley expressed ambivalence about adjusting his performance standards during a turbulent stretch, yet maintained enthusiasm for the overall results. “Yes, I’m comfortable accepting slight compromises,” he admitted, “but it’s equally rewarding watching the squad’s progressive improvement. From regularly falling behind early in sessions to ultimately securing a top‑four finish, the trajectory has been noteworthy.”
Looking forward, he stressed the importance of learning from the experience: “This victory provides valuable data that can inform future setup refinement. Moving ahead, the goal is to build upon this foundation and make room for further improvements with all five trucks.”
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Watch: Garcia celebrates first Truck Series win at Bristol
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Kaulig RAM Secures First Top‑Five Finish Amid Grueling 2024 Season
Since RAM returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with a fleet of five Kaulig Racing entries, the campaign has posed a relentless test. Without access to simulation software or comprehensive driver data, the team launched the season blindfolded into a heavily contested field.
Yet despite these obstacles, the group collected a total of fifteen top‑ten finishes, culminating in Bristol—a landmark victory for the Kaulig RAM operation. Justin Haley captured a fourth‑place result in the series’ highest finish, marking the sole top‑five achievement of the organization.
“Absolutely, this was a fantastic night for everyone at Kaulig Racing, RAM and Stellantis,” Haley told Motorsport.com’s Matt Weaver after the Bristol event. “After dropping to ninth at New Hampshire roughly a month ago—our final appearance beforehand—we were far from this outcome. I’m incredibly proud of the entire Kaulig team.”
The young driver admitted that the circumstances brought mixed sentiments: “To lower expectations simply a bit, yes. However, there is genuine pride in seeing how much progress has been made. Driving for Kaulig Racing under Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice is an honor I intend to sustain until the end of my career,” he continued.
“It’s been demanding, and this past year has been particularly tough, but overcoming the hurdles has been worthwhile.”
Haley reflected on the evolution of the roster, noting that several trucks had performed substantially. Justin Haley earned third‑place (#18) alongside Brendan Queen (21st), Regan Smith (23rd) and Toby Tyrrell (26th).
Ty Dillon, driver of the #25 Kaulig RAM, Justin Haley, driver of the #16 Kaulig RAM, and Brenden Queen, driver of the #12 Kaulig RAM
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Haley’s success offers the whole crew a clear benchmark for future efforts, prompting a look inward at the workshop that crafted the victories. “Proud of every person involved,” he emphasized, adding gratitude to the engineers and mechanics. “Finishing fourth in a truck race is remarkable, and I appreciate the collective determination that made this possible.”
The latest milestone underscores the magnitude of the work behind the numbers, reinforcing the potential the team possesses when all pieces align.
Building a team from the ground up
Justin Haley, No. 16 Kaulig Racing RAM
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
Haley expressed ambivalence about adjusting his performance standards during a turbulent stretch, yet maintained enthusiasm for the overall results. “Yes, I’m comfortable accepting slight compromises,” he admitted, “but it’s equally rewarding watching the squad’s progressive improvement. From regularly falling behind early in sessions to ultimately securing a top‑four finish, the trajectory has been noteworthy.”
Looking forward, he stressed the importance of learning from the experience: “This victory provides valuable data that can inform future setup refinement. Moving ahead, the goal is to build upon this foundation and make room for further improvements with all five trucks.”
iframe src=”https://www.motorsport.com/v/669368/?” width=”100%” height=”100%” frameborder=”0″ allow=”autoplay; encrypted-media” allowfullscreen=”allowfullscreen” loading=”lazy”>
Watch: Garcia celebrates first Truck Series win at Bristol
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
– The Motorsport.com Team