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Mini Tyrrell is getting a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell has secured a NASCAR opportunity for the 2026 season in a unique way. The 21-year-old from Manassas, Virginia won the FOX Sports reality show “RAM: Race for the Seat” and was awarded a spot in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series field.
Because he prevailed as the winner of the reality show, Tyrrell will pilot the #14 RAM 1500 for Kaulig Racing in 2026. It’ll be the driver’s rookie season and the first full-time season for RAM since 2013.
Mini Tyrrell Won ‘Ram: Race for the Seat’ to Earn Truck Series Ride
“RAM: Race for the Seat” was a reality TV show series with the winner securing a full-time ride in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for 2026. The show featured 15 drivers and 10 different challenges, with only one winner in the end.
The show premiered on January 25 on FOX and just recently wrapped up. When it was all said and done, Tyrrell was the victor. On Friday, February 6, Kaulig Racing made it official that Tyrrell will be joining their Truck Series program full-time this season.
On the heels of the announcement, Tyrrell sat down with FOX Motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass to discuss his opportunity. The reality show winner conceded that he feels some pressure heading into the 2026 campaign, knowing that he’s on a one-year contract.
However, Tyrrell is confident he can prove that he belongs in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
“There is a little bit of pressure on my shoulders that says, ‘Hey, this is a year deal,’ and I have to prove myself at this level in order to stay. That’s my goal. A little bit of pressure as I’ve just got to go out and do it, but I know that I just need to learn and adapt as best as I can,” Tyrrell said.
Tyrrell made his debut in the CARS Tour back in 2018. Since then, Tyrrell has won four races in the series and posted a best finish of third in 2024.
At Kaulig Racing, Tyrrell will pilot the #14 truck. He’ll be teammates alongside Justin Haley, Daniel Dye, and Brenden Queen.
RAM Making Return to NASCAR in 2026
Tyrrell is going to play a key role in what’s a historic year for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. After 13 years of being out of the sport, RAM trucks have returned to the NASCAR scene for 2026.
Kaulig Racing is the organization who is welcoming RAM back into the sport as the team will field up to five trucks in 2026. One of them being Tyrrell, after winning the “RAM: Race for the Seat” reality show.
The show featured commentary from RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, Kaulig Racing team principals Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice, and UFC CEO Dana White. In a press release following the announcement of RAM’s return, Kuniskis hyped the new reality series.
“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,” Kuniskis said.
The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series 2026 season is set to kick off on Friday, February 13 at Daytona with the Fresh From Florida 250. The green flag is set to drop at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
John Breeden John Breeden is a NASCAR contributor at Heavy Sports. He has five years of sports journalism experience. He graduated from James Madison University in May of 2022 with a degree in media arts and design. John is also a sports reporter for the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Previously, John was a sports writer for JMU’s The Breeze and a NASCAR content writer for Sportskeeda. More about John Breeden
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