Tony Stewart will make his highly anticipated return to NASCAR competition by racing in the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Daytona International Speedway in 2026. This marks Stewart’s first appearance in the Truck Series in two decades and puts him behind the wheel for Kaulig Racing, reuniting fans with one of motorsports’ most celebrated names.
Stewart Rejoins NASCAR Action with Kaulig Racing
Known to his fans as “Smoke,” Tony Stewart has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in American racing history. After stepping away from NASCAR, Stewart transitioned his focus to NHRA drag racing, where he has continued to make headlines. Kaulig Racing announced that Stewart will be the driver for their No. 25 Ram truck, signaling a notable collaboration for his Truck Series return.
According to NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass,
“Tony Stewart back in NASCAR for one night. Three-time Cup champ – a Dodge driver in NHRA – will drive a Ram truck for Kaulig in the season opener at Daytona. He hasn’t competed in NASCAR since 2016 and this will be his first truck race since 2005.”
– Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter
This appearance will be Stewart’s first involvement in any NASCAR competition since he last raced in the Cup Series in 2016. For Stewart, the Daytona return not only ends years away from the track but also introduces a new chapter in his decorated career.
Stewart’s Motivation and the Ram Free Agent Initiative
With a nickname that resonates throughout the racing community, Stewart shared his thoughts on driving in the Truck Series at Daytona for the first time, expressing genuine enthusiasm.
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,”
said Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion. Upon being offered the seat for Kaulig Racing’s first outing with the Ram truck, Stewart did not hesitate to accept the opportunity.
“So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate. Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”
– Tony Stewart, Three-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Throughout its history, Daytona has seen many legends, but Stewart’s entry marks a special moment as this event falls under Ram’s ‘Free Agent’ program. The initiative brings together a blend of established veterans and emerging drivers, ensuring ongoing excitement and fan engagement throughout select events in the Truck Series calendar. Ram’s strategy in having Stewart as the first Free Agent draws a direct connection between their return and one of the sport’s all-time favorites.
Tim Kuniskis, a leader at Stellantis, emphasized the significance of Stewart’s participation in this program.
“We’re not just returning to the track; we’re rewriting the playbook. Bringing Tony in as the first Free Agent will generate a crazy amount of excitement, which is exactly why we created the program–allowing fans to watch an all-time favorite driver get back into the seat, but this time, it’s a Ram truck,”
said Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis.
“Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing–pure adrenaline for the fans.”
– Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy, Stellantis
What Stewart’s Return Means for NASCAR and Ram
By choosing Tony Stewart to headline their return to the Truck Series at Daytona, Ram ensures immediate interest from longtime NASCAR fans and those who have admired Stewart across motorsports disciplines. The involvement of Kaulig Racing and the debut of the new Ram truck add layers of anticipation to the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
The question remains whether Stewart’s appearance will be a unique cameo or a prelude to further involvement in the series. Regardless, his presence guarantees heightened attention not only for Ram’s new venture but for the entire Daytona Truck Series event. Fans and industry insiders alike are set to watch how this partnership unfolds and its effect on NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
Tony Stewart back in NASCAR for one night. Three-time Cup champ — a Dodge driver in NHRA — will drive a Ram truck for Kaulig in the season opener at Daytona. He hasn’t competed in NASCAR since 2016 and this will be his first truck race since 2005. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 13, 2026
Tony Stewart is returning to NASCAR, driving the No. 25 truck for Kaulig Racing at Daytona.https://t.co/Ywbnp0Tvtn
— Jayski (@jayski) January 13, 2026
Welcome to The Smoke Show. 🏎️💨@TonyStewart returns to @NASCAR with @KauligRacing and @RamTrucks! pic.twitter.com/vnxtcluWV6
— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) January 13, 2026
