Jan. 20, 2026, 2:41 p.m. ET
NASCAR has created a new provisional for the 2026 season. The sport has designated a “new OEM provisional” for the first three races of the 2026 NASCAR season, benefiting Ram’s entry into the Truck Series. If an entry from a new OEM doesn’t qualify, they will start from 37th to 40th place.
This will help Ram and Kaulig Racing make the Truck Series field, locking Tony Stewart into the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. The provisional helps the manufacturer earn points in the first three races until the current season owner points matter toward the starting lineup.
NASCAR’s decision has received some backlash, including from Team Reaume driver Frankie Muniz, who called it “pathetic.” Muniz called it a “luxury” as they can “focus 100% effort on building a good car for the race.” It might be a controversial rule among drivers, but Ram and Kaulig Racing will have it available to them, if needed.
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