Ram announces reality series competition for final Kaulig Racing seat

Ram and Kaulig Racing confirmed Friday the launch of a TV reality show featuring a competition to name a driver for the last seat in its Craftsman Truck Series stable for the upcoming season.

“Race for the Seat” will follow 15 drivers across eight episodes. Jacob Lofland will host the show, which will premiere Sunday, Jan. 25 at noon ET on FOX. From Jan. 26 through Feb. 6, all new episodes will be available on Ram’s official YouTube channel.

“Ram is an iconic American brand, and I’m excited to partner up with them for their new reality series, Race for the Seat,” said Dana White, UFC CEO, who will provide behind-the-scenes commentary of the show. “This reality show is all about finding up-and-coming drivers and giving them a massive platform. The best always rise to the top in this type of competition. We are going to find the next generation of superstars for the NASCAR truck series.”

Kaulig Racing will field five entries in the Craftsman Truck Series this season as the anchor team for Ram’s return to NASCAR. The organization previously announced its plans for the four other teams, with drivers Brendan Queen, Daniel Dye and Justin Haley competing full-time. The fourth truck will be called a free agent entry.

The free agent entry is open to drivers across motorsports. Who the driver is will be announced on the Monday before a Truck Series race event weekend.

Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram and Matt Kaulig, the founder and owner of Kaulig Racing, will also be featured in the show. “Special guest appearances” were also teased to add to the unfolding stories.

“We promised Ram would approach NASCAR differently – and Race for the Seat is proof,” Kuniskis said. “Sometimes raw talent isn’t enough. Many successful careers start with an opportunity, a lucky break – or in my case, a good old-fashioned kick in the ass.

“There’s no one better at building champions than Dana White, which puts this show ‘in the draft’ before it even begins. Among these competitors, talent is a given. What we’re looking for is heart, hustle, attitude, and an insane drive to succeed – someone who lives our ‘Last Tenth’ culture. When a driver rises from a field of 15, it’ll be their shot, their break – and knowing Dana, probably a few kicks – that lead to a life-changing moment by the time we get to Daytona.”

Ram last competed in NASCAR in 2012. Kaulig Racing will be fielding entries in the Truck Series for the first time while continuing its Cup Series efforts. However, the focus on the Truck Series program led the organization to shutter its O’Reilly Auto Parts Series operation.

“Race for the Seat is a great opportunity for the next generation of drivers to show what they’ve got,” Kaulig said. “Working with RAM to bring this show to life allows us to think differently, push the limits, and give these talented drivers a platform they wouldn’t normally have. I can’t wait to see who earns the seat and joins us on the track.”