Mini Tyrrell Wins Kaulig Racing Seat After Intense Competition
Mini Tyrrell, a 21-year-old rising star from the CARS Tour, has secured a full-time ride with Kaulig Racing in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Tyrrell emerged victorious from the eight-episode reality show competition, Ram: Race for The Seat, besting 14 other drivers for the coveted opportunity to pilot the No. 14 Ram 1500.
The competition was a grueling test of skill, endurance and personality. Drivers faced challenges both on and off the track, including races in late model stock cars, Legends cars, and even go-karts. They were also evaluated on their ability to handle press conferences, film commercials, and demonstrate leadership qualities. Points were awarded across all events, culminating in a dramatic final showdown at South Boston Speedway.
A Championship Decided at the Finish
Heading into the final episode, Tyrrell trailed Carson Ferguson by a single point in the championship standings. The contenders battled it out in Late Model Stock Cars under the lights at South Boston Speedway. Tyrrell capitalized on the opportunity, winning his heat race and putting the pressure on Ferguson.
Ferguson, needing a win to maintain his lead, started fourth but struggled to make progress, ultimately finishing fifth. Tyrrell’s victory secured him the full-time ride, marking a significant leap in his young racing career. “The fact that I came out on top is crazy, man,” Tyrrell said. “It’s unreal. I can’t wait to get to work.” He added, “This is the craziest day of my life, man. Best day of my life. Everything I’ve ever worked for has paid off.”
The loss was understandably difficult for Ferguson, who was visibly emotional after the race. Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice offered comfort, acknowledging the close competition. “It hurts a little bit more because I know I was so close,” Ferguson remarked.
Consolation Prize for Ferguson: Martinsville Opportunity
In a surprising twist, the competition didn’t end with the championship decision. The hosts announced that the winner of a final race would earn a one-race opportunity in the Truck Series, driving the No. 25 Ram at Martinsville Speedway.
Tyrrell, Ferguson, Landon Huffman, and Jared Fryar competed for the $50,000 prize and the Martinsville ride. Ferguson drew the pole and led the majority of the 20-lap race, securing the victory and a chance to make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut. “Everybody is going to think it’s scripted,” Tyrrell joked. “The top two, right? The one guy wins the seat, and the guy that doesn’t win the seat wins the 50k. Glad it was a happy ending for both of us.”
Who is Mini Tyrrell?
Throughout the Ram: Race for The Seat competition, Tyrrell demonstrated his versatility and skill. He secured heat race wins in Legends cars at Ace Speedway and in Late Model Stocks at VIR. He also impressed judges with his performance in a mock commercial, showcasing his ability to promote Kaulig and Ram.
Prior to this opportunity, Tyrrell had not competed at the national level of NASCAR or in the ARCA Menards Series. However, he is preparing for the 2026 Truck Series season with an ARCA debut at Daytona with Cook Racing Technologies.
Tyrrell’s racing background is rooted in the CARS Late Model Tour, where he earned his first victory in 2021, shortly after his 17th birthday at Tri-County Motor Speedway. He continued to build his resume, adding three more CARS Tour victories last year and consistently finishing in the top five in the standings.
Looking Ahead
Tyrrell’s arrival at Kaulig Racing adds another talented driver to a growing team. He will join Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley as full-time drivers, with additional drivers rotating through the organization’s expanded fleet. The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season promises to be an exciting one, with Tyrrell poised to make an immediate impact. He faces the challenges of adapting to live pit stops, road courses, and superspeedways as he embarks on this new chapter in his racing career.
