The 1996 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was the second season of the professional pickup truck racing series sanctioned by NASCAR. The season consisted of 24 points-paying events, beginning on March 17, 1996, at Homestead-Miami Speedway and concluding on November 3, 1996, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Ron Hornaday Jr., driving the No. 16 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., won the drivers' championship. Hornaday finished the season with four wins, 18 top-five finishes, and 23 top-ten finishes. He secured the title over runner-up Jack Sprague by a margin of 53 points. Other top finishers in the points standings included Joe Ruttman in third, Mike Skinner in fourth, and Dave Rezendes in fifth.
The 1996 schedule expanded from the 20 races held during the inaugural 1995 season. The series competed on a variety of track configurations, including short tracks, intermediate ovals, and two road course events held at Heartland Park Topeka and Watkins Glen International.
Chevrolet won the Manufacturers' Championship for the 1996 season. The primary vehicle models utilized by competitors were the Chevrolet C/K, the Ford F-150, and the Dodge Ram.
Key statistical leaders for the season included:
- Most Wins: Ron Hornaday Jr., Jack Sprague, and Mike Skinner (4 wins each).
- Most Pole Positions: Mike Skinner (5).
- Rookie of the Year: Bryan Reffner.
The season was characterized by the continued growth of the series' popularity and the establishment of several drivers as perennial contenders in the truck racing format.
