After eight years away from the sport, Elliott Sadler is set to return to competitive racing. Kaulig Racing announced that the 51-year-old former Cup Series star will drive the No. 25 RAM 1500 at Richmond Raceway.

The team confirmed the news through a social media post that read, "Retirement is on hold!"

Sadler retired from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2018 Xfinity season. Over the course of his career, he made more than 400 starts in the Cup Series and collected three race wins.

He also became one of the most experienced drivers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he recorded 13 victories and came close to winning the championship on multiple occasions, but never did.

One of the most talked-about incidents from Sadler's career came during the 2010 Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. While battling on the track, Sadler suffered a massive crash after making contact with AJ Allmendinger. His car slammed hard into the inside wall, with the impact absolutely destroying the front end of the vehicle.

The crash immediately raised concerns because of the force of the impact. It is also widely talked about among fans because there is very little broadcast footage showing the actual impact.

This led to speculation within parts of the NASCAR community, with some believing the footage was never publicly released because it could have sparked more questions about driver safety. However, there has never been any official confirmation from NASCAR supporting those claims.

But that incident aside, Sadler's return with Kaulig Racing and RAM is making all the right noise.

What NASCAR fans said about Sadler’s return

Elliott Sadler's return to racing has fans stoked. The 51-year-old will join a storied list of drivers who have featured in Kaulig Racing’s "Free Agent" programme, such as Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, Clint Bowyer, AJ Allmendinger, Ty Dillon, Colin Braun, Corey LaJoie, Travis Pastrana, Parker Kligerman, Carson Ferguson, and Ryan Newman.

Referencing the elite list of drivers, one user on X commented under @Kaulig_Trucks' announcement post, "Man y’all have been pulling some elite drivers lately.”

Another user added, “I love how often these announcements have made me instinctively break out into a grin. Another great one, welcome back, Elliott.”

"Cannot wait for this! Love them Sadler boys!" another shared.

Seconding the sentiment, another wrote, "I’m most excited for this one! What a legend."

Wanting to see former RCR driver Kasey Kahne join the list, another user said, “Do Kasey Kahne next Pleaseee I am begging you. Kasey in a dodge will feed generations.”

Before Elliott Sandler, IndyCar star Conor Daly will pilot the truck at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next weekend. Got to give props to RAM and Kaulig for this evolving All-Star lineup.

Read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Yash Kotak