Kratos and Champion Tire & Wheel Expand Automated Truck Platooning for NASCAR 2026 Season

Kratos' auto-platooning technology to be used in demanding race logistics operations

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced continued support of Champion Tire & Wheel's NASCAR logistics for the 2026 season, further advancing its automated truck platooning and logistics automation technologies. The fast-paced, time-critical environment of race logistics offers an ideal proving ground for Kratos' autonomy designed to enhance coordination, consistency, and efficiency.

Why it matters

Kratos' automated truck platooning technology aims to improve the coordination, consistency, and efficiency of NASCAR's demanding race logistics operations. By adapting defense-derived autonomy technologies for commercial applications, Kratos is accelerating the maturity, affordability, and readiness of these technologies for national security initiatives.

The details

Kratos' auto-platooning capability pairs a human-driven lead vehicle with an automated follower maintaining coordinated speed, braking, and steering to deliver repeatable performance while preserving operational flexibility and safety. Kratos is kicking off the 2026 NASCAR season by debuting newly branded trailers during the Daytona 500 race weekend, underscoring the company's growing role in technology-enabled supply chain operations.

  • Kratos and Champion executed an industry-first automated truck platoon supporting motorsport logistics for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2025.
  • Kratos plans a cross-country auto-platooning deployment to Naval Base Coronado for the Anduril 250 in June 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.

The players

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

A technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets.

Champion Tire & Wheel

A company that Kratos is providing automated truck platooning and logistics automation technologies for their NASCAR operations.

Maynard Factor

The VP of Business Development at Kratos.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Autonomy proves its value when it performs in the real world—on schedule, safely, and repeatedly.”

— Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Kratos plans a cross-country auto-platooning deployment to Naval Base Coronado for the Anduril 250 in June 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.

The takeaway

Kratos' automated truck platooning technology is proving its value in the demanding, real-world environment of NASCAR race logistics, demonstrating the potential for defense-derived autonomy technologies to enhance efficiency and safety in commercial applications while also advancing their readiness for national security initiatives.