Colin Braun Makes NASCAR Truck Return at St. Pete Race

Three-time IMSA champ races in St. Petersburg Truck Series as Ram preps for 2026 NASCAR comeback.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 2:52pm

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Colin Braun, a three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champion, will make his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this weekend at the 150-mile event on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Braun will pilot the #25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing, as the Ram brand, owned by Stellantis, prepares to re-enter NASCAR competition after a 14-year hiatus starting in 2026.

Why it matters

Braun's NASCAR return highlights the growing crossover appeal between sports car and stock car racing, as well as marks a crucial step for the Ram brand as it prepares to rejoin NASCAR in 2026. The event will showcase experienced drivers from multiple disciplines, bringing added excitement to NASCAR's expanding reach on street courses.

The details

Braun, who has a diverse racing background spanning both sports cars and stock cars, will make his first NASCAR Truck Series appearance since 2009, when he earned a victory at Michigan International Speedway. The St. Petersburg truck race will also feature appearances from two other well-known sports car drivers, Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe, further underscoring the event's appeal.

  • The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in St. Petersburg, Florida will take place this weekend.
  • Braun last competed in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2009, when he earned a victory at Michigan International Speedway.

The players

Colin Braun

A three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champion who will make his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this weekend, piloting the #25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing.

Kaulig Racing

The team that will field the #25 Ram 1500 for Colin Braun in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Ram

The Stellantis-owned brand that is preparing to re-enter NASCAR competition in 2026, with Braun's participation in the St. Petersburg Truck Series race being a significant step in that process.

Dario Franchitti

A winner of the 2008 Rolex 24 and recently named a reserve driver for this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, Franchitti will pilot the #1 Tricon Garage Toyota Tundra in the St. Petersburg Truck Series race, marking his first NASCAR appearance since 2008.

James Hinchcliffe

A respected Canadian driver known for his IMSA endurance efforts, Hinchcliffe will make his NASCAR debut driving the #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado in the St. Petersburg Truck Series race.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to get back behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, especially on such a cool weekend when they debut in St. Pete.”

— Colin Braun

“Ram's program offers a fantastic opportunity to mix my endurance background with oval and street course racing. I'm thrilled Ram is giving me this chance. I have seen how much work the Kaulig crew is putting into getting this program started up, and giving them a great result would repay them for the hard work!”

— Colin Braun

What’s next

The St. Petersburg Truck Series race this weekend will be a crucial step for the Ram brand as it prepares to rejoin NASCAR competition in 2026.

The takeaway

This event showcases the growing crossover appeal between sports car and stock car racing, as experienced drivers from multiple disciplines come together to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.