Colin Braun Returns to NASCAR Truck Series at St. Petersburg
- PETERSBURG, FL – Colin Braun is returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and he’s doing so with a significant opportunity.
- Braun’s return is part of Ram’s “Free Agent” program, which has already seen NASCAR legend Tony Stewart behind the wheel of the No.
- While best known for his success in sports car racing, Braun is no stranger to NASCAR.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Colin Braun is returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and he’s doing so with a significant opportunity. The 37-year-old IMSA veteran will pilot the No. 25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on February 28th, marking his first Truck Series start since 2011.
Braun’s return is part of Ram’s “Free Agent” program, which has already seen NASCAR legend Tony Stewart behind the wheel of the No. 25 truck at Daytona, and Ty Dillon competing this weekend at Atlanta. The program aims to bring diverse talent and fresh perspectives to the Truck Series, and Braun certainly fits the bill.
While best known for his success in sports car racing, Braun is no stranger to NASCAR. He boasts 53 career starts in the Craftsman Truck Series, including full-time campaigns in 2008 and 2009. His most memorable moment came in 2009, when he secured his first and only national-level NASCAR victory at Michigan International Speedway driving for Roush Fenway Racing. He finished fifth in the championship standings that year, also earning two poles.
Braun’s transition from NASCAR to sports car racing has been remarkably successful. He has amassed three championships in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (2014, 2015, and 2022) and over 20 victories. His resume includes a prestigious LMP2 class win at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans and three overall victories in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, including an overall win in 2023. He’s also claimed victories at iconic events like the Six Hours at The Glen, Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and the Sebring 12 Hours.
The St. Petersburg race presents a unique challenge for Braun and the entire Truck Series field. It will be the series’ first-ever street course event, demanding a different skillset than the ovals and short tracks typically featured on the schedule. Interestingly, Braun has prior experience at St. Petersburg, having made his lone IndyCar Series start there in 2024.
“Braun will be one of the few drivers in the field who has experience at St. Pete,” highlighting a potential advantage as the series navigates the unfamiliar terrain. His background in road racing, honed through years of competition in IMSA, should prove invaluable as he adapts to the nuances of the St. Petersburg street circuit.
The move to bring Braun into the No. 25 Ram 1500 demonstrates Kaulig Racing’s willingness to experiment and embrace talent from different racing disciplines. The “Free Agent” program, coupled with drivers like Stewart, Dillon, and now Braun, is injecting a new level of intrigue into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. It remains to be seen how Braun will perform in his return to NASCAR, but his impressive racing pedigree suggests he’s well-equipped to make a strong showing at St. Petersburg.
Braun currently drives the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-06 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, alongside drivers Tom Blomqvist, Scott Dixon, and A.J. Allmendinger. His commitment to both series showcases his versatility and passion for motorsports.