Elliott Sadler, a 51‑year‑old veteran of NASCAR’s three national divisions, will make his long‑awaited return to the Craftsman Truck Series this August, taking the wheel of the No. 25 Ram 1500 at Richmond Raceway on August 14.
The driver will be fielded by Kaulig Racing’s brand‑new Ram Truck program, a partnership that underscores the automaker’s growing presence in the series. Sadler’s last full‑time national‑level start dates back to 2019, when he finished inside the top ten for Kaulig in his final outing.
A career defined by milestones
Over his career Sadler amassed nearly 400 starts across the Cup, Xfinity and Truck circuits, capturing 13 victories and three premier‑series wins at Bristol, Texas and Fontana. His lone Truck victory came at Pocono in 2010, a track where he will also be remembered for a memorable win in 2010 that remains a highlight of his résumé.
The upcoming race will mark Sadler’s first national‑series appearance since 2019 and his first Truck start since the 2010 Pocono triumph, a gap that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
Team dynamics and historic ties
Chris Rice, chief executive of Kaulig Racing, expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Sadler, noting the shared history between the driver and the organization. "We’re thrilled to have Elliott back behind the wheel of the No. 25 Ram 1500," Rice said in a statement, highlighting the synergy between the driver’s legacy and the team’s new direction.
The No. 25 truck has a storied roster of past drivers, including NASCAR legends such as Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray and Clint Bowyer. More recently, Ryan Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 champion, has taken over the seat at North Wilkesboro, further enriching the car’s pedigree.
Sadler’s return also brings a nod to his earlier achievements, including his 2001 Bristol victory and his 2004 wins at Texas and Fontana, moments that still resonate with long‑time followers of the sport.
The Richmond event will not only showcase Sadler’s enduring skill but also serve as a showcase for Ram’s involvement in NASCAR, aligning the brand’s performance heritage with a historic racing environment.