Celsius Brings the Heat to Kaulig Racing for 2026

If there is one thing NASCAR runs on—besides high-octane fuel—it’s pure energy. You need stamina to get through 500 miles at Daytona, and you need focus to navigate the twists of a road course.

That’s why the latest news out of the Kaulig Racing garage feels like such a natural fit. Celsius is back, and they aren’t just dipping a toe in the water; they’re diving in headfirst.

The energy drink brand has officially extended its partnership with Kaulig Racing, and they are putting their weight behind two heavy hitters: veteran AJ Allmendinger and the returning Justin Haley.

It’s a move that signals serious ambition for the 2026 season, and frankly, it’s great news for fans who love seeing committed sponsors sticking with the sport.

1. Celsius Fuels a Double-Barreled Attack

What makes this announcement so interesting is how Celsius is splitting its support. They aren’t just slapping a logo on a single hood and calling it a day. They are strategically backing two different drivers across two different series. First up, you have AJ Allmendinger. He’s set to pilot the No. 16 Celsius-sponsored Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series for nine races. If you follow AJ, you know he’s a driver who wears his heart on his sleeve and drives with a level of intensity that matches the Celsius “LIVE. FIT. GO.” mantra perfectly. Then, there’s the reunion we’ve all been waiting for. Justin Haley is jumping back into the fray with the Kaulig team, driving the No. 16 Ram 1500 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for five events. Let’s look a little closer at Allmendinger’s schedule. Celsius is backing him for nine races, starting with the big one: the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2026. But the schedule doesn’t stop at the speedways. The partnership covers a diverse mix of tracks that play to Allmendinger’s strengths. We’re talking about the technical twists of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 1, the high speeds of Texas on May 3, and the “Tricky Triangle” at Pocono in June. He’ll also be flying the Celsius colors at Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami later in the year. For a brand focused on fitness and performance, backing a driver like Allmendinger on rigorous road courses and exhausting superspeedways is a smart play. It reinforces the idea that this drink is for people who need to perform when the pressure is on.

2. Justin Haley and the Return of Ram

The storyline with Justin Haley might be even more intriguing for gearheads. Haley isn’t just returning to Kaulig; he’s part of a massive shift in the Truck Series landscape—the return of Ram. Ram’s factory-backed return to the Truck Series in 2026 is one of the biggest headlines in recent years, and Celsius is right there on the ground floor. Haley will debut the Celsius-backed Ram 1500 at Daytona on February 13, 2026. Haley has a history with the brand, too. Remember the 2022 Cup season? Celsius was right there with him. Bringing that relationship back to the Truck series, specifically with the new Ram entry, feels like getting the band back together for a reunion tour. His schedule takes him from the streets of St. Petersburg to the ovals of Kansas and Homestead-Miami.

3. Why This Partnership Works

Matt Kaulig, the team owner, didn’t mince words about the deal. He called Celsius a “cornerstone partner.” In the racing world, that means stability. It means the team can focus on setups and pit strategies rather than worrying about funding. But beyond the finances, there is a cultural fit here. Kaulig Racing has been growing aggressively since its founding in 2016. They’ve racked up over 27 victories in the Xfinity Series and are hunting for more Cup glory. Celsius is on a similar trajectory in the beverage market—growing fast, challenging the giants, and making a name for itself. When you see the Celsius car on the track, it’s not just an ad; it represents a shared philosophy of performance. As industry analysts have pointed out, lifestyle brands love NASCAR because the fans are loyal. By sticking with Kaulig, Celsius is telling those fans, “We aren’t just visiting; we live here.” The calendar is marked. February 12-15, 2026. That’s when the rubber meets the road at Daytona. You can expect to see a lot of fan engagement around these races. When a sponsor commits to this many races across two series, they usually bring plenty of activation to the track—think sample giveaways, driver meet-and-greets, and social media campaigns. For now, the teams are back in the shop, prepping that No. 16 Chevy and that new No. 16 Ram. The livery is being applied, the engines are being tuned, and the drivers are getting ready. It’s going to be a fast year.

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