A majority of the dates on the 2027 NASCAR schedule are out and we largely know which drivers will have full-time rides with specific teams next season in the Cup Series. However, there’s still some uncertainty regarding Ty Dillon.
During an appearance on The Morning Drive with Pete Pistone and Mike Bagley, Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice said that the team has had more serious talks with Dillon in recent weeks about a return for the 2027 season.
- Ty Dillon stats 2026: 266 points (32nd), 0 top 10s, 1 DNF, 3 laps led, 29.86 average starting position, 24.96 average finishing position
It hasn’t exactly been a banner year for the 34-year-old driver. This season in the No. 10 car for Kaulig Racing, Dillon ranks 32nd in points and he has the fourth-worst average finishing position among full-time Cup Series drivers.
He’s on pace to perform even worse than he did in 2025, when he recorded one top-10 finish and led 19 laps across 36 races while posting a slightly better (24.58) average finishing position. The struggles are seemingly part of the reason why his future at Kaulig has been uncertain.
Another has been the future of Dodge Ram to the Cup Series. The manufacturer made its NASCAR return this season in the Craftsman Truck Series, but the results have been abysmal. Ram ranks last in the Truck Series manufacturer standings, 257 points back of Ford whereas Toyota (-31) and Chevrolet (-43) have been far better. Ram is also the only manufacturer in the Truck Series without a win this season.
There had been some speculation that if Ram made its jump to the Cup Series in 2027 that Kaulig could move on from him and bring in someone else. However, it now appears Ram won’t make its way to the Cup Series until 2028 and Dillon’s seat at Kaulig seems increasingly secured.
Potential Impact of Ty Dillon Remaining with Kaulig
Another popular piece of speculation in NASCAR silly season had been that Ty Dillon could drive the No. 33 car next season with Richard Childress Racing, becoming teammates with his brother Austin Dillon. If he re-signs with Kaulig, that clears up the future of the No. 33 car.
Related: Potential Looming Moves for Richard Childress Racing
It’s been reported and long assumed that Austin Hill, who has pulled double-duty between the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with RCR since the death of Kyle Busch, would likely drive the No. 33 car full-time in 2027. If Dillon isn’t an option, Hill getting that full-time Cup ride feels like a foregone conclusion.
All of this would have a domino effect for another driver. Set to be replaced by Jesse Love in the No. car with Wood Brothers Racing, veteran Josh Berry is now facing a much higher likelihood of not having a full-time Cup ride in 2027. The 35-year-old would likely have options in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series given his resume, but it is seemingly his only path to retaining a full-time position in NASCAR next year.
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