Stellantis Appoints Kevin Kidd as North American Motorsports Competition Director

Stellantis has appointed Kevin Kidd as the North American Motorsports Competition Director, a role that positions him at the forefront of the company's motorsports initiatives, particularly in the NHRA and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. This appointment is part of Stellantis' strategy to enhance its presence in high-performance motorsports, marking Ram's return to NASCAR after a 13-year hiatus, set for 2026.

Kevin Kidd Named North American Motorsports Competition Director for StellantisNewsweekKevin Kidd Joins Stellantis as North American Motorsports Competition Director

Kevin Kidd brings over 25 years of experience in motorsports to his new role. His career includes significant positions as a crew chief, race engineer, and competition director. Kidd has worked with notable teams such as RFK Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Dale Earnhardt Inc. He has also served on the NASCAR Competition Advisory Committee for five years. His technical expertise is complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and ongoing MBA studies at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

Kevin Kidd To Lead Ram’s Return To NASCAR

In his capacity as Competition Director, Kidd will oversee Stellantis' motorsports activities, including collaborations with Kaulig Racing, Tony Stewart Racing, and Direct Connection Engineering. Tom Sacoman, Senior Vice President of SRT Performance Division Operations, emphasized the need for innovative leadership, stating, “Our unconventional approach to competition demands a leader who can think differently, and Kevin is exactly that.” Kidd's role will focus on implementing Stellantis' "Last Tenth" performance philosophy, which aims to refine engineering and competition strategies to achieve optimal performance on the track.

Kevin Kidd To Lead Ram’s Return To NASCARKevin Kidd Joins Stellantis as North American Motorsports Competition DirectorKevin Kidd Named North American Motorsports Competition Director for Stellantis

The return of the Ram brand to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is a significant development for Stellantis. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, noted that customer demand and a solid plan for competitive performance were key factors in this decision. He stated, “For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR... Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field.” This initiative is expected to generate renewed interest and engagement in motorsports for the brand.

Newsweek

Kidd expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “The intersection of engineering and competition has always been my passion. Stellantis’ innovative approach to motorsports, especially in partnership with Kaulig Racing, presents a unique opportunity to push boundaries.” Sacoman echoed this sentiment, highlighting Kidd's reputation and the capabilities of Stellantis' teams as crucial to their competitive strategy.

Kevin Kidd Named North American Motorsports Competition Director for Stellantis

While the announcement has been met with optimism, some industry observers question whether Stellantis can effectively compete in a landscape dominated by established teams. Concerns about the resources and commitment required to succeed in NASCAR and NHRA remain prevalent among critics.

Kevin Kidd Joins Stellantis as North American Motorsports Competition Director

As Stellantis prepares for Ram's return to NASCAR, further details regarding the team's structure and competitive strategies are anticipated later this year. The motorsports community is closely watching how Kidd's leadership will influence the brand's performance in upcoming seasons.

Kevin Kidd Named North American Motorsports Competition Director for Stellantis