Champion and Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart is back in NASCAR competition for the first time in a decade, taking part in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night. Although he is not racing in the Daytona 500, Stewart’s return has drawn significant attention as he drives the No. 25 Dodge Ram for Kaulig Racing, marking Dodge’s return to NASCAR.
Stewart cited a mix of encouragement and skepticism from peers, friends, and family after announcing his comeback, reflecting both support and questions about his decision to return to racing after so many years away.
Stewart Acknowledges Risks in Returning to NASCAR
Driving the No. 25 Dodge Ram, Stewart is the only driver representing the manufacturer’s reentry into NASCAR through Kaulig Racing. Since retiring as a full-time NASCAR driver and team owner, Stewart has shifted his focus to NHRA Top Fuel drag racing, supported by Dodge.
During a media session on February 12, Stewart openly admitted that many have doubted his judgment.
“The No.1 question I’ve gotten from people on the NASCAR side is asking if I’ve lost mind,”
Stewart said. “I’m like, yeah I have as you know. It’s just been fun to see those guys and catch up with them. It’s been fun to spend time with those guys before everything gets really busy here.” ?Tony Stewart, Driver
He also mentioned how his drag racing community has shown unexpected interest in his NASCAR return.
“Today, I have literally received more texts from my drag racing people than anyone else. I would say there will probably be more drag racers watching the Truck race on Friday night than ever before.
“They basically told me they’ve never seen a Truck race before, but they’re going to watch this one.”
?Tony Stewart, Driver
Using iRacing Simulator to Prepare for the Race
Stewart last competed in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in 2005 and made his final NASCAR Cup Series start in 2016 before retiring from driving. After stepping away from driving, he remained involved as an owner of Stewart-Haas Racing until the team’s closure in 2024, after which he fully transitioned into drag racing.
To sharpen his skills before the upcoming race, Stewart leaned heavily on iRacing, the online motorsport simulator popular among drivers across disciplines.
“I have a bunch of friends on our iRacing team we race with on nights I can get on the simulator,”
Stewart explained. “I don’t know if they put two and two together when I suggested we start doing some Truck races. We started doing that instead of running some of the dirt races we normally run.
“At one point, I started asking for more Truck races at tracks like Daytona and Talladega. They didn’t really question it, but when the announcement came out they figured out why I started asking for more of those races.”
“I literally have to thank that group of iRacers because from the moment we announced I was doing this, they were all in on Truck races at Daytona. They were all in on doing anything they could to help me get laps in and get ready for this race.”
?Tony Stewart, Driver
Family Support and First NASCAR Experience for Wife and Son
Stewart has been married to Leah Pruett, a highly regarded NHRA Top Fuel driver, since November 2021. Their son Dominic was born in November 2023. Both Leah and Dominic have never witnessed Stewart race in NASCAR, given his retirement from the series in 2016.
“She’s been very support of this effort,”
Stewart said. “Leah has been with Dodge longer I have and she has a fantastic relationship with him. To understand why we’re down here doing this with Dodge and Ram, she knows how important that is to all of us.” ?Tony Stewart, Driver
“It’s literally the first opportunity she’s had to come to a NASCAR event and watch me drive. The cherry on top is we get to have Dominic here, too. We get a two-for-one deal having my family here.”
?Tony Stewart, Driver
Leah, Dominic, alongside drag racing fans and the wider community, are set to watch Stewart’s practice sessions at Daytona on Thursday, February 11, from 5 to 5:50 p.m. ET on FS1. Friday’s schedule includes qualifying at 3 p.m. followed by the 100-lap race at 7:30 p.m. on FS1, MRN Radio, and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
Anticipated Impact of Stewart’s NASCAR Return
Tony Stewart’s return to the NASCAR Trucks circuit is more than a personal milestone; it highlights Dodge’s renewed commitment to the sport through Kaulig Racing. His presence is expected to attract a diverse audience, including drag racing enthusiasts witnessing NASCAR action for the first time. Stewart’s determination and preparation underscore his passion for competition, and his family’s involvement adds an emotional dimension to his comeback.
As the race unfolds at Daytona International Speedway, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how the multi-discipline champion performs after years away behind the wheel in NASCAR, potentially setting the stage for future appearances or a broader role within the sport.
