Tony Stewart is preparing to make a highly anticipated return to NASCAR by competing in the upcoming Daytona Craftsman Truck Series race. Despite a complicated and often strained history with the sport, Stewart’s connection to brands like Dodge and Ram has created a strong incentive for his comeback at Daytona in early 2026.
Over the years, Stewart has experienced both the pinnacle of success and the frustration of disagreements with NASCAR’s leadership and direction. Nonetheless, the opportunity to race again at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues has drawn him back into the spotlight.
Behind the Scenes of Stewart’s Decision to Race Again
The chance for Stewart to return emerged unexpectedly during a conversation with Tim Kuniskis, an executive linked to Stellantis. The dialogue began casually but soon opened doors to a unique proposal that reignited Stewart’s interest in racing.
Reflecting on his past difficulties with NASCAR, Stewart acknowledged that recent years, especially amid the antitrust lawsuit against the organization, had worsened their relationship. Still, he emphasized that certain elements of the sport and the people involved kept racing meaningful to him.
I think everybody on this call understands I didn’t have the best relationship with NASCAR and surely over the last 12 months have had more reasons to not have the best relationships, but still at the end of the day, parts of racing and people there made it worthwhile,
Stewart said.
The compatibility between Stewart and Stellantis’ portfolio, particularly Dodge and the Ram brand, helped make his return more appealing.
When the opportunity comes to do something with you, obviously, you know what to do with the RAM brand. Our relationship with the Dodge side…is awesome.
This alignment of interests contributed to Stewart’s decision to race the Kaulig Racing No. 25 RAM 1500 truck at Daytona. Having not competed in NASCAR since his last full Cup season in 2016, and with no truck racing experience since 2005, this marks a significant return for the 54-year-old driver.
Personal Reactions and Stewart’s Preparedness for Daytona
Stewart’s choice to race again caught even his closest family members by surprise. When he informed his wife Leah about the plan, her reaction underscored how unusual this decision was, given his previous stance on NASCAR.
I went back to Leah, I said, ‘Hey, I just talked to Tim, and Tim asked me if I’d be interested in running a truck race,’ and her eyes got really big. She kind of knows the history of my relationship with NASCAR, but she was like, ‘What, you telling me?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I think I would be interested,’ and she looked at me like I had three heads, so it took a little bit of convincing—the convincing that I was serious about it.
Stewart also shared that Kuniskis was initially unsure if his enthusiasm for a comeback was genuine. Nevertheless, Stewart’s extensive experience at Daytona remains undeniable, with 19 victories across multiple series at the track, although none had been in a truck until now.
I have raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. So when a seat in the new RAM was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate,
Stewart affirmed. His readiness to compete demonstrates his willingness to move past past conflicts and focus on the racing ahead.
Emerging Contender Eyes Stewart’s Racing Seat After Daytona
While Tony Stewart’s Daytona drive is confirmed, his position with Kaulig Racing is open for future races. Stephen Mallozzi, a relatively unknown driver in the NASCAR circuit, has proclaimed his interest in filling this role, highlighting the challenges lesser-known drivers face in securing sponsorships and spots in competitive racing.
Mallozzi, a law student balancing a full-time job with his racing aspirations, addressed the financial difficulties directly. In a candid appeal, he outlined the high costs involved in racing at the grassroots NASCAR level, emphasizing how securing sponsorships remains a constant struggle.
Not only am I a law student who works a full-time job, but I’ve also been racing in NASCAR for the last five seasons, and it’s a lot of work to find sponsorships. The thing people don’t realize about NASCAR is that I have to find fifty to a hundred thousand dollars in sponsorships just to cover the cost per race.
Mallozzi’s determination extends beyond just seeking funds—at times, he has made extreme sacrifices to fund his participation, including selling his personal car to race.
For some races, I’ve been able to get sponsors, but one time, I sold my car to race. This was my last time in all.
Concluding his pitch, Mallozzi urged the Ram brand to consider giving him a chance, framing his story as one of resilience and passion.
It’s time for Ram to give me a shot, because nothing says ‘guts, glory, Ram’ like a guy who’s working a job, in law school, and racing a NASCAR all at the same time. Nice to meet you. I’m Stephen Mallozzi.
His message resonated widely among NASCAR fans, shedding light on the economic difficulties for many drivers aspiring to break through in the sport—a world often dominated by financial backing as much as talent or effort.
Implications of Stewart’s Return and Future NASCAR Opportunities
Tony Stewart’s reemergence in the Daytona Craftsman Truck Series signals a surprising yet hopeful chapter for NASCAR enthusiasts, balancing the tension of his past frustrations with an eagerness to reconnect with the sport. His return also strengthens Ram’s presence in NASCAR, linking brand loyalty with a legendary driver’s legacy.
Meanwhile, the spotlight on Stephen Mallozzi underscores the broader challenges and potential transformations within NASCAR’s driver landscape, highlighting how sponsorship hurdles often limit the careers of talented newcomers.
As the Daytona race approaches, all eyes will be on Stewart’s performance and whether this comeback sparks longer-term involvement. Simultaneously, drivers like Mallozzi may gain momentum in their quest for opportunities, possibly altering the future competitive roster in the truck series and beyond.
