Cummins Returns To NASCAR In A Big Way with Kaulig and Brenden “Butterbean” Queen
If you thought the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series couldn’t get any louder for 2026, think again. Cummins Inc., a name synonymous with American horsepower for over a century, is storming back into the national spotlight.
The global power giant dropped big news today, announcing they’re hopping on board as the full-season primary sponsor for Brenden “Butterbean” Queen and the No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 at Kaulig Racing. This isn’t just a decal slapped on a quarter panel.
We are talking about a full-season commitment in which Cummins branding will be front and center on the Queen’s Ram 1500 for every single race on the 2026 calendar. It’s a massive move that pairs heritage engineering with one of the most exciting young talents in the garage.
A Legacy of Power Meets Modern Speed
For those who know their history, Cummins and racing go way back. We’re talking all the way to the bricks at Indianapolis. This partnership is a natural extension of the long-standing relationship between Cummins and Ram, a bond that began in 1989, when the first Cummins-powered Dodge Ram rolled off the line.
Since then, over 3.5 million trucks have carried that badge. Now, they are taking that legacy to the high banks. Brett Merritt, the VP and President of Engine Business at Cummins, put it best when he said racing is in their DNA.
“From Clessie Cummins’ winning the first Indianapolis 500 as a crew member to our leadership in commercial power, we’ve always pushed the limits of what’s possible,” Merritt said. He sees that same drive in Queen. “Brenden Queen represents that same spirit, talented, hardworking, and full of momentum.”
“Butterbean” Gets His Big Break
Let’s talk about the driver. Brenden “Butterbean” Queen isn’t just a catchy nickname. The kid can wheel a race car. At 28 years old, the Chesapeake, Virginia, native has earned his stripes the hard way, dominating the short tracks.
He is coming off a monster 2025 season in the ARCA Menards Series, where he snagged eight wins and finished inside the top five in 17 out of 20 races. That is the kind of consistency that turns heads.
Kaulig Racing saw the potential and threw him into the deep end with five Xfinity Series, now known as the O’Reilly Autoparts Series, starts to close out last year, and Queen didn’t disappoint. He showed up and showed out, proving he belongs on the big stage. Now, he is the first of five drivers announced to lead Ram’s return to the Truck Series.
For a racer who has grinded for every inch of pavement he has gained, this support is a game-changer. “To have a company with Cummins’ history and worldwide reputation support me is incredible,” Queen said. “This is the type of opportunity every driver dreams about.”
Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series Expansion
This deal is a massive piece of the puzzle for Kaulig Racing as it looks to expand its footprint in the Truck Series. Chris Rice, the CEO at Kaulig, is pumped about the match. He sees Cummins’ engineering excellence aligning perfectly with the team’s vision.
“Brenden is an exceptional talent, and we’re building a program around him that we believe can compete for wins and make a playoff run right away,” Rice said. Fans won’t have to wait long to see it.
The No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 will hit the track for the first time at the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. It’s going to be a sight to see a historic engine builder, a returning manufacturer, and a hungry driver ready to make some noise.
