Cummins Inc., a global power technology leader and one of America’s most storied engineering and motorsports innovators for over a century, is returning to the national racing spotlight. Today, the leader in diesel, natural gas, and alternative power technologies announced it will serve as the full-season primary sponsor of Brenden “Butterbean” Queen and the No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kaulig Racing.

The partnership pairs Cummins’ 100+ year history of engineering expertise and innovation with one of NASCAR’s fastest-rising talents. Cummins branding will be featured on the primary livery of Queen’s Ram 1500 for every race in 2026. This partnership marks the latest milestone in the longstanding partnership between Cummins and Ram, which began in 1989 when the first Cummins-powered Dodge Ram was produced. Since then, more than 3.5 million Ram trucks have been powered by Cummins, setting the standard for heavy duty diesel pickups.

“Cummins has racing in its DNA,” said Brett Merritt, Vice President and President, Engine Business, Cummins. “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. Brenden Queen represents that same spirit – talented, hardworking, and full of momentum. Partnering with both Kaulig Racing and Ram provides the opportunity for us to continue to write our motorsport legacy.”

Queen, a fan-favorite short-track star known affectionately as “Butterbean,” enters his first full-time Truck Series season following a breakout year across multiple national platforms. During his 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship run, Queen earned eight wins and finished inside the top five in 17 of 20 races. Kaulig Racing further tested his potential with five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to close out 2025, where Queen delivered strong, attention-grabbing performances.

Following that success, Queen, 28, of Chesapeake, Virginia, was announced as the first of Kaulig’s five drivers chosen to lead Ram’s high-profile return to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026.
“To have a company with Cummins’ history and worldwide reputation support me is incredible,” Queen said. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this Ram 1500 and represent Cummins and Kaulig Racing every weekend. This is the type of opportunity every driver dreams about.”

For Kaulig Racing, the Cummins partnership represents a significant step forward as the team expands its competitive footprint in the Truck Series.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cummins to the Kaulig Racing family,” said Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Kaulig Racing. “Their engineering excellence and commitment to innovation are a perfect match for our 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.”

Queen’s No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 will make its official debut at the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 13.

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!