Tony Stewart is set to make his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway, marking his first race there in ten years. The NASCAR champion, who last raced at the 2.5-mile tri-oval track in 2013, announced earlier this year that he will compete in the Fresh From Florida 250 for Kaulig Racing, reigniting his stock car racing career after a lengthy hiatus.
Since his last Cup Series start in 2016, Stewart has not participated in any stock car events, and this race will be his debut in the Truck Series at Daytona. To prepare, he took advantage of iRacing simulations to reacquaint himself with the track’s unique challenges.
“It’s been 10 years since I’ve ran @DAYTONA, and I’ve never done it in a truck. Safe to say, I needed some practice,” Tony Stewart wrote on X. “Thanks to @iRacing , I can do just that. Head over to my YouTube channel and go behind the scenes with me and my spotter, TJ Bell, as we prepare for my upcoming return to @NASCAR with @RamTrucks and @KauligRacing!”
Kaulig Racing’s Ambitious Truck Series Campaign Including Stewart
Stewart’s involvement highlights Kaulig Racing’s serious commitment to its growing Truck Series program, which now fields five trucks for the current season. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis praised the team’s intense ambition and owner Matt Kaulig’s relentless dedication to success.
“I’ll tell you this, if you have ever met or if you know Matt Kaulig (owner, Kaulig Racing), there is no such thing as an aggressive goal. I mean, that guy wakes up at an 11 every day, man. He’s just going, going and going, and there’s no slowing that guy down!”
Alongside Stewart, Kaulig’s roster features emerging talents such as Timothy “Mini” Tyrrell driving the No. 14 truck, as well as Daniel Dye, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, and Justin Haley all competing this season.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Comments on Stewart’s Challenging Return to NASCAR
After retiring from full-time racing in 2016, Tony Stewart has spent most of his time off the track focusing on his co-ownership role with Stewart-Haas Racing and competing in NHRA events. His announcement to race at Daytona again excited fans, but fellow NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed some hesitation about the decision.
“He hadn’t been in NASCAR since 2016, and this will be his first Truck race since 2005,” the Hall of Famer said. “Boy, he picked a doozy. The dude don’t give a s**t. I wouldn’t have picked Daytona; I would have picked somewhere else.”
Earnhardt Jr.’s comment touches on the high-pressure nature of returning to such a demanding and iconic track, especially in a different series and vehicle type.
Details on the Upcoming Race and What to Watch
The Daytona Truck Series race is scheduled for Friday, February 13. Drivers will compete over 100 laps at the World Center of Racing, a venue known for its speed and intensity. Fans can watch the event live on FS1 starting at 7:30 p.m. ET, with exclusive coverage and updates available via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Tony Stewart’s participation adds an intriguing storyline to the event, as observers anticipate how the veteran will adapt to the truck and the competitive field after such a long absence from NASCAR action at Daytona.
