Tony Stewart, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, stunned fans and his wife Leah Pruett by announcing his return to NASCAR on February 13 at Daytona. Stewart will drive the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series season opener, marking his first NASCAR national series race since 2016.
Since stepping away from full-time NASCAR competition after the 2016 season, Stewart has focused on his NHRA drag racing career. Despite having only six prior Truck Series starts between 1996 and 2005, which included two wins and five top-10 finishes, Stewart accepted this opportunity to mark the Ram brand’s factory comeback to the Truck Series.
Leah Pruett’s Reaction Reflects the Risks of Daytona Racing
Stewart shared that his wife Leah Pruett responded to the announcement with concern, reminding him of the dangers associated with racing at Daytona. He recounted their exchange to Racer, emphasizing the risks compared to his motivations.
“She looked at me and she’s like, ‘Why would you do that?’ She goes, ‘You’ve always told me it’s about a 70% chance you’re going to get wrecked out of any race at Daytona,’” Tony Stewart said.
“told her this is how much the Dodge brand, Stellantis and Ram mean to me. Is it the most ideal race for me to run as a driver? Probably not, in all reality,” he added.
Stewart’s decision is closely tied to Stellantis’ commitment to returning Ram as a factory-supported entity in the Truck Series for the first time since 2012. Kaulig Racing will manage five Ram entries this season, rotating various drivers in the No. 25 truck, with Stewart being the first announced.
Stewart’s NHRA Focus and Pruett’s Family Priorities
Outside of NASCAR, Leah Pruett is currently stepping away from full-time Top Fuel racing to focus on their family. The two-time NHRA champion is expected to return to competition with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in 2026, after starting a family in 2024. The TSR team recently extended multi-year partnerships with Dodge and its Direct Connection program, reinforcing the collaboration between Stewart, Pruett, and Stellantis.
Stewart’s Confidence Drawn from Past Daytona Successes
Despite his long absence from NASCAR competition, Stewart expressed some assurance about racing at Daytona, referencing his historical track record. In an interview, he highlighted that while technology evolves, some fundamental elements remain the same, including the challenging racing environment at Daytona.
“It doesn’t matter how much technology changes, the one thing that doesn’t change at Daytona is the air. So, I think our record book shows we have a pretty good success rate at Daytona, and at least we understood that part of it,” Tony Stewart said.
Stewart’s achievements at Daytona include multiple wins in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity (then O’Reilly) Series. His return will place him alongside established drivers such as Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Corey Lajoie, and Carson Hocevar, all expected to compete in the upcoming Truck Series season opener.
Background on Stewart’s Recent NHRA Performance
In NHRA drag racing, Stewart enjoyed a strong 2025 season, claiming two Top Fuel victories and capturing the regular-season championship. He won the NHRA Rookie of the Year title in 2024 and finished fifth in the season points standings in 2025. Though he will not continue driving full-time for TSR in 2026—Leah Pruett will take over the seat—Stewart’s recent success demonstrates his ongoing competitiveness in motorsports.
Stellantis and Ram’s Strategic NASCAR Comeback
Stellantis’ renewed presence in the NASCAR Truck Series marks a significant development for the brand and the sport. Since their factory-backed withdrawal after 2012, Ram trucks had not received this level of support in NASCAR. The partnership with Kaulig Racing, which involves multiple entries and driver rotations in 2026, signals Stellantis’ serious investment in the series.
Stewart’s participation not only honors his long-standing relationship with Dodge and Stellantis but also serves as a promotional cornerstone for their Truck Series reentry, blending legacy with current racing efforts.
Implications of Stewart’s NASCAR Comeback for Fans and the Sport
Tony Stewart’s surprise return to NASCAR generates considerable excitement and anxiety among fans, insiders, and family alike. His wife’s pointed question underscores the inherent dangers of racing, especially at a track notorious for high-speed incidents like Daytona. Nonetheless, Stewart’s reputation, combined with the backing of Stellantis and Kaulig Racing, suggests a carefully weighed decision aimed at celebrating a key brand milestone.
As the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season opener approaches, Stewart’s participation will be a focal point, drawing attention to the evolving dynamics between veteran drivers, manufacturer support, and the sport’s future. Observers will anticipate how Stewart navigates the risks and whether this event signals more frequent NASCAR appearances or remains a singular, symbolic comeback.
