Despite A.J. Allmendinger and Ty Dillon returning, Kaulig Racing is undergoing some major changes heading into 2026
LEXINGTON, N.C. - Kaulig Racing enters its fifth full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 with a mix of cautious optimism, continuity in its driver lineup, and significant challenges ahead.
The team, owned by entrepreneur Matt Kaulig, has long branded itself as "trophy hunters," a phrase Kaulig has used for years to emphasize the pursuit of wins over mere participation. At the Cup level, however, those trophies have been scarce—only two victories in the team's history, both secured by A.J. Allmendinger on road courses in prior years.
The core lineup remains unchanged from recent seasons: A.J. Allmendinger pilots the No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with crew chief Trent Owens, while Ty Dillon drives the No. 10 Chevrolet with Andrew Dickeson on the box.
Allmendinger delivered the team's first oval-track pole, showcasing improved speed on non-road layouts, and Dillon made a surprising deep run in the inaugural In-Season Challenge, finishing second and proving he could compete in high-pressure situations.
Despite these positives, 2026 shapes up as a potentially difficult year.
Kaulig Racing no longer benefits from its previous technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), shifting to a more independent operation. The team continues with Chevrolet power from ECR Engines, but factory support from Chevy appears limited.
Kaulig's growing partnership with RAM in the Craftsman Truck Series—where the team serves as the anchor for the manufacturer's return, fielding multiple entries including drivers like Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and reality competition winner Timothy "Mini" Tyrrell—suggests a strategic pivot. A full switch to Dodge (RAM's parent brand) in the Cup Series seems plausible whenever Kaulig expands or realigns at the top level, further reducing expectations for substantial Chevrolet assistance.
Allmendinger remains the team's brightest hope for postseason contention. The veteran has proven he's far more than a road-course specialist, holding his own on ovals with consistent runs and that landmark pole.
However, the playoff format no longer features a simple "win-and-in" path for road warriors. With only a handful of road/street courses on the 2026 schedule—including Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the new Coronado Street Course in San Diego—opportunities for signature victories are limited. The rise of talents like Shane van Gisbergen adds competition on those tracks, forcing Allmendinger to prioritize consistency across the full 36-race slate.
Allmendinger has yet to make the postseason since joining Kaulig full-time.
Dillon faces even steeper expectations in a prove-it year. After struggles in recent seasons, his In-Season Challenge performance was a bright spot, but the split from RCR (his grandfather Richard Childress's organization) and the move to a more standalone Kaulig setup raise questions about long-term stability.
With low external expectations, Dillon must deliver steady top-20s or better to secure his seat beyond 2026. Sponsorship remains solid, with Grizzly Nicotine Pouches expanding to cover 27 races across both cars (14 on Dillon's No. 10, 13 on Allmendinger's No. 16), plus additions like Celsius on select events.
Overall, Kaulig Racing's 2026 outlook hinges on turning incremental gains into reliable performance. Without heavy factory backing or alliance advantages, the team will rely on smart execution, driver talent, and development to hunt those elusive trophies.
A breakthrough season seems unlikely, but mid-pack consistency and occasional top-10 surprises could mark meaningful progress in this transitional chapter.