Mamba Smith defends Ty Dillon after fan inquires about Justin Haley’s No. 10 seat chances amid Kaulig-RCR split plans

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season winds down, all eyes are on Kaulig Racing and the future of their driver lineup, particularly the fate of Ty Dillon in the No. 10 seat. The recent announcement that Kaulig Racing will be fielding five Ram-supported trucks in 2026, thereby ending their technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing and Chevrolet, has sparked speculation and uncertainty in the garage.

The decision to branch out from their long-standing partnership with RCR has raised questions about the future of both A.J. Allmendinger in the No. 16 and Ty Dillon in the No. 10. With deep ties to RCR, including Dillon being Richard Childress’ grandson, the split has left fans wondering about the drivers’ Cup futures.

One fan took to social media to express their concerns, asking NASCAR personality Mamba Smith about the possibility of Justin Haley taking over the No. 10 seat from Ty Dillon. Haley recently parted ways with Spire Motorsports and is currently without a confirmed Cup ride for 2026.

In response, Smith defended Ty Dillon’s position at Kaulig Racing, highlighting that Dillon has exceeded expectations throughout the season. Despite facing a challenging year, Dillon showcased his talent by reaching the final of NASCAR’s in-season challenge and outperforming several veterans along the way.

However, Dillon’s performance has been overshadowed by recent pit road incidents. He faced criticism for a pit lane incident in Las Vegas where he failed to signal or communicate with his spotter, costing William Byron a shot at a top finish. In Talladega, Dillon clipped a tire belonging to Josh Berry’s crew, sparking safety concerns.

Despite these incidents, Ty Dillon remains focused on the upcoming Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, where he aims to finish the season strongly. With only two races left, Dillon will look to build on his recent success at the track and prove his worth as a driver.

As the Kaulig–RCR split looms, the future of Ty Dillon and the No. 10 seat remains uncertain. Whether Dillon will retain his position or face a lineup shuffle under the new Ram-backed structure is yet to be seen. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as the season draws to a close.