TC Daily Pit Stop: Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Announce Long-Term Contract Extension; Pastrana Joins Kaulig As Ram's Next "Free Agent Driver"
TC Daily Pit Stop: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Ryan Blaney Lands Long-Term Contract Extension With Team Penske
Ryan Blaney isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse will remain in that role for the foreseeable future, after announcing a long-term contract extension with Team Penske on Wednesday.
Blaney, 32, is an 18-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, and he scored the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship. The driver over the last few years has become well known for being able to elevate his finishing position beyond what his car, pit crew have been achieving.
Additionally, Team Penske announced a multi-year contract extension with Menards, which will continue as a major primary sponsorship partner for Blaney and Austin Cindric.
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Travis Pastrana: Kaulig Racing’s Latest Free Agent Driver
Kaulig Racing has had some rather large names compete behind the wheel of its No. 25 “Free Agent Program” Ram 1500 this season. Travis Pastrana will be the latest.
On Wednesday, the team announced Pastrana as the driver of the No. 25 Ram in the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22.
Pastrana competed in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway, driving for Niece Motorsports. In that race, Pastrana finished 15th.
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