After years away from racing, Tony Stewart is making a much-anticipated return to NASCAR with an appearance in the Truck Series at Daytona next month. The three-time Cup Series champion will drive a Ram truck, marking his first NASCAR competition since 2016 and igniting excitement around his comeback. This return captures attention not only because of Stewart’s racing legacy but also due to his candid reflections on past difficulties with NASCAR and the sport’s current path.
Stewart Opens Up About Past Conflicts and New Beginning in NASCAR
NASCAR reporter Claire B. Lang revealed that Stewart spoke openly about previous tensions he experienced with NASCAR, expressing hope that his one-off race will bring positive energy to the series. Stewart described being touched by the enthusiastic response from fans upon hearing of his return, a reaction that even surprised his wife, Leah Pruett. Despite his public disagreements with NASCAR over recent years, Stewart is genuinely enthusiastic about getting back behind the wheel.
Reasons Behind Stewart’s Decision to Step Away From NASCAR
Stewart also reflected on why he initially chose to leave NASCAR, particularly his role as a team owner. Discussing this on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, he detailed frustrations with the sport’s evolving direction. Stewart co-founded Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009 alongside Gene Haas, leading the team through years of success. However, recent organizational changes, including the team’s closure to give way to the new Haas Factory Team, weighed heavily on him.
The emotional farewell to Stewart-Haas Racing was reminiscent of his retirement from driving. Stewart reminisced about the memorable moments on track and the strong bonds built over 16 years, acknowledging how difficult it was to part ways with longtime colleagues. He highlighted that NASCAR’s shifting landscape, including ongoing disputes involving teams like 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, contributed to his decision. Stewart remarked,
“This is a time where things are drastically changing in the sport,”
adding,
“It’s not a direction that I want to be a part of.”
Shifting Focus to NHRA and Family Life Amid Racing Career Changes
Stewart emphasized that his departure was not preplanned but gradually became apparent as the year progressed. He has since focused on competing in NHRA drag racing’s Top Fuel division, a natural transition given his diverse racing background. Additionally, personal developments played a key role; Stewart and Leah Pruett, both NHRA drivers, welcomed their first child in November 2024, influencing Stewart’s priorities.
Despite stepping away from NASCAR’s main circuit, Stewart remains optimistic about the sport’s future. He stated,
“The sport’s going to be healthy, it’s going to survive. It always has, it always will,”
and continued,
“But I’m happy at this point in my life to make this change.”
Why Stewart Couldn’t Resist Racing at Daytona in a Ram Truck
Even with past frustrations, Stewart accepted Kaulig Racing’s offer to pilot Ram’s new truck at Daytona, a track where he has competed in nearly every racing format but never in the Truck Series. This opportunity to join Ram’s free agent program, which highlights accomplished veterans alongside emerging talent, has created a surge of enthusiasm among NASCAR fans eager to witness Stewart’s competitive return.
This one-time race represents a complex moment: a legendary driver, once disillusioned with NASCAR’s direction, reigniting his passion to race in a meaningful capacity. For followers of the sport, Stewart’s presence at Daytona provides a chance to see a renowned driver compete once more, showcasing his enduring skills and love for racing.
So @TonyStewart made it clear he previously had issues with #NASCAR and he is hoping (in a humble way) his participation in @nascar_trucks will lend a positive note … adding the sport will be fine. He said he was blown away by the amt. of amazing fan reaction to his return to…
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) January 28, 2026
"It's a tough decision, but things in life change." @TonyStewart talks with @KevinHarvick about the closing of Stewart-Haas Racing. pic.twitter.com/uUWp6DzKcU
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) October 24, 2024
