Ryan Newman Returns to NASCAR for Truck Series Start at North Wilkesboro

“I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel at North Wilkesboro and to be part of Ram’s Free Agent Program. It’s special returning to a brand I had so much success with early in my career, and racing at Wilkesboro is always cool,” Newman said.

The 56-year-old will drive the No. 25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET. It’s his first Craftsman Truck Series start since 2018, when he raced at Eldora Speedway.

Newman’s ties to Dodge go way back. Between 2003 and 2008, he drove for the manufacturer in the Cup Series with Team Penske, scoring 12 wins in the No. 12 Alltel Dodge. His résumé includes the 2008 Daytona 500. He also notched 36 pole positions behind the wheel of a Dodge.

That success carried over to the lower series. In 2005, Newman drove a Dodge nine times in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and won six of those races.

Newman has made eight career Truck Series starts overall. His record there is strong: six top-five finishes across his previous seven starts, which includes a win at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He’s also posted recent success at North Wilkesboro, winning a Modified race there in August 2022.

The No. 25 entry rotates among several drivers as part of Kaulig Racing’s Free Agent Program. The lineup includes Tony Stewart, Corey LaJoie, Ty Dillon, Colin Braun, Jamie McMurray, Travis Pastrana, Parker Kligerman, Clint Bowyer, A.J. Allmendinger, and Carson Ferguson. Conor Daly will take the wheel during the race weekend at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.