Veteran NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is poised to make a high‑profile return to the Truck Series, the sport’s third‑tier division, after a nearly three‑year absence from full‑time racing.
Kaulig Racing announced that Newman will take the wheel of the No. 25 Ram truck at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 18, bringing his celebrated “Rocket Man” brand back to a discipline where he once celebrated a lone victory in 2008.
The upcoming race will mark Newman’s first Truck Series start since 2018 and will be his only full‑time entry this season, as the team opts for a free‑agent program that allows the driver to compete on a race‑by‑race basis.
A Legacy of Speed and Endurance
Newman’s résumé includes 18 wins in the Cup Series, highlighted by a dramatic triumph at the 2008 Daytona 500, and a single Truck Series victory at Atlanta that same year. His 18 Cup victories were largely achieved behind the wheel of a Dodge, a brand that has been synonymous with his early career.
Beyond his on‑track achievements, Newman is remembered for a 50‑lap modified race win at North Wilkesboro in August 2022, a performance he described as one of his most memorable victories, underscoring his affinity for the historic half‑mile track.
The partnership with Ram Trucks, a division of Stellantis, will see the No. 25 vehicle emblazoned with the automaker’s branding, while Dodge will continue to supply the powerplant that helped Newman dominate early in his career.
Kaulig Racing, co‑owned by former driver and team principal Bill Miller, will field the entry under a program that blends veteran experience with emerging talent, a strategy that also involves collaboration with other developmental outfits such as Rick Ware Racing.
The Road Ahead
For Newman, the return is more than a nostalgic gesture; it is a calculated step toward staying competitive in a rapidly evolving racing landscape. Fans can expect a blend of seasoned skill and fresh ambition when the green flag drops at North Wilkesboro on July 18.