For the first time in over a decade, Ram is returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The automaker confirmed it will rejoin the grid in 2026 with a brand-new Ram 1500 race truck, ending a 13-year absence since Dodge’s exit from the sport in 2012.
Ram’s return will reunite the brand with NASCAR’s top manufacturers — Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota — restoring a four-make lineup that many fans have been hoping to see again. And as soon as the announcement dropped, the iRacing community had one immediate question:
When will the new Ram truck come to iRacing?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Race Truck
The upcoming race model will be based on the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, featuring the brand’s updated body design and signature grille. Like its competitors, it will run a NASCAR-spec chassis but retain manufacturer styling cues, including Ram’s distinctive front fascia and hood lines.
According to industry reports, Ram has partnered with ThorSport Racing for its official return, leveraging the team’s championship pedigree and long-standing Truck Series experience. The collaboration aims to field multiple full-time entries beginning with the 2026 season opener at Daytona.
Could the Ram 1500 Be Coming to iRacing?
While iRacing hasn’t made any official announcements, history suggests that a digital version of the Ram 1500 is likely already in the works. Every time NASCAR introduces a new manufacturer or model, iRacing follows soon after — often within the same season.
Recent examples include:
- The Next Gen Ford, Chevy, and Toyota all arrived in iRacing before their real-world debuts.
- The 2022 Camping World Truck Series updates mirrored each manufacturer’s latest body redesigns.
- iRacing’s Toyota Tundra TRD Pro launched only weeks after the 2022 season opener.
That pattern makes it hard to imagine a 2026 Truck Series without the iRacing NASCAR Ram Truck joining the lineup.
What to Expect From the iRacing Version
If Ram’s new entry follows iRacing’s typical production cycle, the truck would likely appear in the 2026 Season 2 or Season 3 build.
Members can expect:
- A fully laser-scanned body model with the new Ram 1500 front and tail styling.
- Updated physics reflecting the latest NASCAR Truck aero package.
- Integration into official Craftsman Truck Series schedules and AI rosters.
Visually, the truck’s squared front end and aggressive stance should make it stand out from its competitors, while the brand’s return adds a nostalgic touch for longtime NASCAR fans.
Why It Matters
Ram’s re-entry into NASCAR is more than a manufacturer swap — it’s a statement.
The Truck Series has always been the bridge between grassroots short tracks and national competition, and Ram’s return signals new investment in the sport’s future.
For iRacing, adding the Ram 1500 would keep its NASCAR content complete and up to date, while giving sim racers another brand identity to represent online.
And for fans who remember the original Dodge Ram Trucks of the 2000s, it’s a long-awaited homecoming — one that’s finally within reach, both on the real track and the virtual one.
The Likely Timeline
With NASCAR’s new Truck Series homologation scheduled for late 2025, iRacing developers will have access to official design data well before the first race.
That means scanning and modeling could already be underway, paving the way for a release before Daytona 2026.
If confirmed, the Ram 1500 would join iRacing’s Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra in the CARS and Truck Series categories.
A Comeback Built for Both Worlds
Ram’s revival represents another moment where real-world NASCAR innovation meets iRacing simulation technology. The manufacturer’s partnership with NASCAR will bring fresh marketing energy, new liveries, and a wave of nostalgia — while iRacing gives fans the first chance to drive it themselves.
For many, it’s not just a return — it’s redemption. The iRacing NASCAR Ram Truck could soon bring one of the sport’s most iconic names roaring back to life.
