NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is set to return to NASCAR competition at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2026, marking his first race there in nearly ten years. Stewart, now 54, will pilot the No. 25 RAM truck for Kaulig Racing in the opening event of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, signaling a high-profile reentry for both the driver and the RAM brand.
This marks the inaugural year of Kaulig Racing’s partnership with RAM in the Truck Series, a collaboration officially unveiled in June 2025. RAM’s reappearance in NASCAR after a long absence since 2013 adds further significance to Stewart’s return and the organization’s expanded presence on the track.
Partnership Dynamics Behind Stewart’s Return
Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice shed light on the circumstances leading to Stewart’s involvement, revealing that RAM, along with Stellantis and Dodge, had an existing relationship with Stewart through his NHRA ventures. Rice explained that Kaulig Racing joined conversations late in the process to help finalize Stewart’s participation in the Truck Series 2026 season opener.
“Ram, Stellantis, Dodge, they have a relationship with [Stewart] through his NHRA stuff,” Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice explained in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “We weren’t really involved in much of those conversations. We were involved in them at the 11th hour to really get him over the top.”
Rice emphasized the broader impact of this move, describing Stewart’s return as a major boost for the sport and for Kaulig Racing’s growing program.
“That’s a big deal for the sport.”
Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing
Significance of Stewart Driving the No. 25 RAM Truck
Stewart’s race at Daytona will be his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2005, underscoring the importance of RAM and Kaulig’s ability to attract top-tier talent to their new All-Star entry. Although other drivers for the No. 25 truck during the 2026 season have yet to be named, this initial announcement signals a promising start.
Rice expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration and the impact Stewart’s involvement would have for everyone involved, including the sport, the manufacturer, and the racing team.
“I think with Tony coming back and showing that it’s great to have RAM back in the sport, that’s a big deal for the sport,” Rice said. “That’s a big deal for Kaulig Racing. That’s a big deal for RAM. I’m pumped to spend some time with Tony… I’m excited about that.”
Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing
Given Stewart’s extensive Daytona success, the combination of his experience with Kaulig Racing’s new RAM truck could make him one of the favorites in what is often a chaotic and unpredictable race.
Stewart’s Track Record and Expectations for Daytona 2026
Throughout his career, Tony Stewart has been a formidable competitor at Daytona, winning four Cup Series races and seven O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events on the track. With that history, his return to NASCAR in a high-profile Truck Series race is anticipated to generate excitement among fans and competitors alike.
Surviving the intense competition and unpredictable crashes typical of Daytona will be key, but Stewart’s proven skill and the technological support from Kaulig and RAM position him well to contend for victory.
Impact on NASCAR and What Comes Next
Stewart’s reappearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series illustrates the ongoing appeal of the sport to veteran champions and manufacturers seeking to reestablish or expand their involvement. For Kaulig Racing, having a NASCAR Hall of Famer return under their banner increases the team’s visibility and credibility as they grow their Truck Series program.
The 2026 season opener at Daytona will not only test Stewart’s racing prowess once again but could also influence future decisions about driver selection for Kaulig Racing’s All-Star truck. The collaboration with RAM and Stellantis shows a strategic effort to blend heritage with renewed competitive ambitions in NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
💨 "That's a big deal for the sport." @KauligRacing CEO @C_Rice1 explained how @TonyStewart landed in a @Kaulig_Trucks ride for the season opener at Daytona.
More ➡️ : https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/2GXhr7OTCu
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 14, 2026
