Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR Cup Series champion, will make his return to stock car racing after nearly ten years away. The 54-year-old driver is scheduled to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series event at Daytona International Speedway, teaming up with Kaulig Racing and RAM for this significant comeback. Stewart recently shared footage of his simulator practice sessions as he prepares for the upcoming race.
Stewart officially announced his return on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He will drive the #25 RAM-powered truck in the 100-lap race as part of NASCAR’s special agent program. His last participation in the Cup Series was in 2016, and he last raced in the Truck Series in 2005, marking a lengthy hiatus from the track.
Sim Practice and Experience Ahead of Daytona Race
Despite his long absence, Stewart has limited previous experience in the Craftsman Truck Series, having only competed six times during his earlier career. He earned two victories at Richmond Raceway in 2002 and 2003, driving the #33 Chevy for Andy Petree Racing, and achieved five top-ten finishes in the series. However, the Daytona Truck Series race presents a new challenge as Stewart has never raced there in a truck.
To prepare for this unfamiliar environment, Stewart has been training intensively using iRacing simulators. Reflecting on his preparation, he remarked,
“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. 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!”
This simulation work is part of Stewart’s effort to adapt quickly to the current competition level and regain competitive form on the track.
Insight Into Stewart’s Future in the Truck Series
On January 28, 2026, Stewart joined RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis at a press conference to discuss his future involvement with Kaulig Racing’s Truck Series team. The discussion revealed that the #25 RAM truck will not be vying for the regular season championship due to participation in NASCAR’s special agent program. However, RAM and its manufacturer are creating an internal contest for the participating trucks, with the champion awarded a driveable trophy.
Stewart reacted enthusiastically upon learning about the trophy opportunity, sharing,
“Tim neglected to tell me ’til today that there’s a trophy. And Tim likes I don’t know how many of you guys know Tim Kuniskis, but he likes to dangle carrots. So I would love to sit here and go, ‘Man, this is just one and done.’”
“I would say my answer is I don’t have an answer. I would say, before we spoke today, and before he mentioned that there was a trophy and an award for this particular truck and who gets the most points in it, I would have said this was one and done. But let’s just say, I’ll leave it open-ended at this point,”
indicating his openness to possibly extending his engagement beyond the initial event depending on how the season unfolds.
Team Lineup and Prospects for the 2026 Season
The partnership between RAM and Kaulig Racing will feature five truck entries for the 2026 season. Alongside Stewart and Carson Ferguson, the lineup includes Daniel Dye driving the #10 RAM truck, Brenden Queen in the #12, Mini Tyrrell in the #14, and Justin Haley behind the wheel of the #16 truck. This diverse group blends established and emerging talents aiming to make an impact in the Craftsman Truck Series.
This season’s campaign will be closely watched, with Stewart’s return generating significant interest among fans and insiders who are eager to see how the veteran driver adapts after years away from NASCAR competition.
Significance of Stewart’s Return in NASCAR
Tony Stewart’s NASCAR comeback highlights both the nostalgic and competitive aspects of motorsports, as fans anticipate the mix of experience and renewed challenge at Daytona. His participation brings added attention to the Craftsman Truck Series, especially in connection with the special agent program’s unique format. The upcoming race will serve as a benchmark for Stewart’s current racing form and could influence whether he pursues further starts in the series.
With the 2026 season promising compelling storylines, Stewart’s decision to keep his future open adds an element of suspense, setting the stage for a potentially extended return to stock car racing. The collaboration between Stewart, Kaulig Racing, and RAM makes this one of the most talked-about storylines as the NASCAR community prepares for the upcoming events.
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. 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… pic.twitter.com/gwYTv4cE5W
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 9, 2026
