Braun Returns to NASCAR After 15 Years
Colin Braun is poised to make a long-awaited return to NASCAR competition, climbing back into a Truck Series machine for the first time in nearly 15 years. The accomplished IMSA stalwart will pilot the No. 25 Ram 1500 for Kaulig Racing at St. Petersburg, marking a notable crossover moment between America’s premier sports car championship and stock car racing.
The No. 25 entry has been shared by an eclectic line-up in recent outings. Tony Stewart opened the programme at Daytona, while Ty Dillon took the reins at Atlanta. Now, Braun brings his wealth of endurance racing expertise to the burgeoning Ram project as it continues to establish itself within the NASCAR paddock.
At 37, Braun stands among the most seasoned competitors in IMSA’s modern era. With more than 150 starts to his name, he has secured three championships (2014, 2015 and 2022) and amassed over 20 victories at the top tier of American sports car racing. His résumé includes a class triumph in LMP2 at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as multiple successes in the Rolex 24 at Daytona — including an overall victory in 2023. Braun has also conquered endurance classics such as the Six Hours of The Glen, Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and the Sebring 12 Hours.
Yet before forging his reputation in endurance racing, Braun was a rising star in NASCAR. Between 2008 and 2011 he made 53 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, contesting full seasons in 2008 and 2009. His breakthrough came in 2009 when he claimed victory at Michigan with Roush, finishing fifth in the championship standings that year. He also recorded two pole positions and a runner-up finish across 31 starts in what was then known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
When Braun takes the green flag at St. Petersburg, it will be his first NASCAR appearance since Atlanta in September 2011. Notably, he will be among the few drivers in the field with prior experience at the Florida street circuit, having made his sole IndyCar start there in 2024.
“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck, especially on such a cool weekend when they debut in St. Pete,” Braun said. “Ram’s programme offers a fantastic opportunity to blend my endurance background with oval and street course racing. I’m thrilled Ram is giving me this chance.”
Colin Braun @4Career Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 37 |
| IMSA Starts | 150+ |
| IMSA Championships | 3 (2014, 2015, 2022) |
| Major Endurance Wins | 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMP2 class, 2023); Rolex 24 at Daytona (overall, 2023); Sebring 12 Hours; Petit Le Mans; Six Hours of The Glen |
| NASCAR Truck Starts | 53 |
| NASCAR Truck Wins | 1 (Michigan, 2009) |
| Best NASCAR Truck Points Finish | 5th (2009) |
| Last NASCAR Start | Atlanta, September 2011 |
Braun’s return adds a compelling subplot to the evolving Truck Series campaign, uniting endurance pedigree with stock car ambition in what promises to be one of the weekend’s most intriguing storylines.
