(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Daniel Dye Will Not Return to Kaulig Racing, Replacement Named for 2026 NASCAR Truck Series Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 12:39 PM ET

In a shocking turn of events, Daniel Dye will not return to the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Ram 1500 this season. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team has made the decision to put Corey LaJoie in the No. 10 truck for the rest of the 2026 season.

Daniel Dye was serving an indefinite suspension from NASCAR for disparaging comments he made about IndyCar driver David Malukas during a livestream. His suspension was also lifted today as he announced his departure from Kaulig. The team then put out a statement saying it had accepted the driver's resignation.

In a press release put out on Tuesday, Kaulig Racing made the announcement that LaJoie would take over the No. 10 for the rest of the season. Ty Dillon will pilot the No. 25 "Free Agent" truck for Rockingham Speedway this weekend.

Corey LaJoie after the Last Chance Qualifier at Bowman Gray Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Daniel Dye released his own statement on the matter. The driver reflected on his time at Kaulig which included the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

"I'm incredibly thankful for my time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and for the chance to compete with Kaulig Racing alongside some of the most passionate fans in motorsports," Dye said in the statement. "At this time, I am stepping away from that role.

"NASCAR has played a meaningful role in my development, and I don't take that opportunity lightly. After a lot of honest self-reflection and guidance from mentors I trust, I've decided the smartest move for my career is to realign my focus on my long-term objective of becoming a successful driver at the highest level of stock car racing.

"Now that I'm reinstated, I'm optimistic about what the future holds and look forward to working hard at my next opportunity. This sport and its fans mean everything to me, and I can't wait to get back to is focused on the real goal more than ever."

Kaulig Racing and Daniel Dye are parting ways for the season. This gives Corey LaJoie a massive opportunity to go out and perform well for Kaulig Racing. The 34 year old has lots of Cup Series experience, and maybe, he can race for a shot at a Dodge Cup Series ride in a year or two?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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