Queen tabbed as Kaulig Racing's first Ram driver

Kaulig Racing has named Brenden Queen as its first Ram driver in the Craftsman Truck Series next season.

Queen, affectionately known as Butterbean, is the newly crowned ARCA Menards Series champion. He is the first of five drivers to be announced by Kaulig Racing. The organization will be the anchor team for Ram’s return to NASCAR.

“A big thanks to Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, Ram, and everyone at Kaulig Racing for this opportunity,” Queen said. “I’m just a short-track kid who’s worked hard every day, never really knowing if I’d ever make it to this level. I’m very thankful for this chance and can’t wait to get rolling with Ram and Kaulig Racing. The goals are simple: build a winning team and chase championships.”

Queen made his NASCAR national series debut last season in the Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage. He finished fourth in his debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway and then ran the events at Nashville Superspeedway and Kansas Speedway. A fourth start for Queen in the series came earlier this year with Spire Motorsports at Indianapolis.

Kaulig Racing fielded Queen in his Xfinity Series debut last month at Bristol Motor Speedway before he then finished ninth at Kansas Speedway. The top-10 result led to Kaulig Racing announcing Queen will run the final three Xfinity Series races with the team at Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway.

“It’s been amazing to see what Brenden is capable of, from winning multiple championships at his local short track to his dominant ARCA championship season,” Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice said. “He’s proven he deserves this opportunity, and we can’t wait to see what he does in the Truck Series next year.”

Further details about Queen’s program for next season will be announced at a later date.