In an unexpected move, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart will return to the racing scene at the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener. The Fresh from Florida 250, held on February 13, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway, will showcase Stewart driving in the Truck Series for the first time since 2005, marking a noteworthy Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback. This event also marks the debut of RAM as a truck manufacturer in the series through their partnership with Kaulig Racing.
RAM and Kaulig Racing Announce Multiple Entries for the New Season
RAM, teaming up with Kaulig Racing, plans to enter five trucks for the upcoming season, highlighting their strong commitment to the series. Daniel Dye will pilot the #10 truck, with Brendan “Butterbean” Queen behind the wheel of the #12, and Justin Haley driving the #16 RAM-powered truck. The team will also introduce a rotating driver lineup in the special #25 truck, designed to spotlight free agents. Tony Stewart will headline in this #25 entry for the Daytona opener, aiming to generate buzz around RAM’s new venture in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Additional High-Profile Drivers Joining the Daytona Event
Stewart is among several notable racers set to compete at Daytona. Cup Series driver Carson Hocevar will race for Spire Motorsports, backed by sponsors IKEA and Best Buy. Corey LaJoie will represent Henderson Motorsports in the event, while former Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is making his Truck Series debut driving the #45 truck for Niece Motorsports. John Hunter Nemechek, a former Truck Series champion, will pilot the #62 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing. Returning to competition after his 2023 appearance, Travis Pastrana will drive the #42 Chevy Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports.
Full-Time Competitors Set to Return in 2026 Season
Some full-time drivers are also anticipated to make an impact this season. Stewart Friesen will be back in the #52 Halmar Friesen Toyota following his recovery from injury. Christian Eckes is confirmed to race again with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, injecting further competition into the lineup as the season unfolds.
Tony Stewart Comments on His Future in the Truck Series
At a press conference with RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis, Tony Stewart spoke candidly about his intentions following the Daytona race. Kuniskis disclosed that the #25 truck is ineligible for the regular championship, but an internal competition will determine a winner who receives a trophy. Regarding this, Stewart said,
“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.’” – Tony Stewart, NASCAR Driver
“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,” he concluded. – Tony Stewart, NASCAR Driver
Review of Tony Stewart’s Previous Truck Series Performance
Tony Stewart’s history in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series includes six starts over five years, during which he amassed two victories and five top-ten finishes. His first win was at the 2002 Virginia Is For Lovers 200, a race he also won in 2003. Stewart’s expertise and legacy bring heightened interest as he prepares to restart his Truck Series participation with Kaulig Racing and RAM in 2026.
Implications of Stewart’s Return for NASCAR and Fans
Tony Stewart’s reappearance in the Truck Series is expected to energize fans and competitors alike, underscoring the growing involvement of RAM and Kaulig Racing in NASCAR. This comeback could signal a potential continuation beyond the initial event, especially given Stewart’s open-ended remarks about his future. The integration of star drivers and prominent teams in the 2026 season opener emphasizes the evolving competitiveness and appeal of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series moving forward.
In the same race together. Let's effing GO. https://t.co/TJMBY4q3DF pic.twitter.com/o3kSzQLzSP
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) January 29, 2026
