In a move that has stirred excitement among NASCAR fans, Tony Stewart is set to make a surprising return to stock car racing in 2026. Stewart will race in the Truck Series for Kaulig Racing, driving a RAM Truck at Daytona International Speedway, marking his first Truck Series start at this iconic track. His decision signals an unexpected revival in his NASCAR career after a decade-long absence, fueled by RAM and Stellantis’ new initiative to showcase veteran driving legends.
Potential for Extended NASCAR Participation Beyond Daytona
While Stewart initially described this race as a one-time appearance, he has left the possibility open for additional starts this season. Speaking to the media prior to the Daytona event, Stewart indicated:
“I would have said this was one and done. But let’s just say, I’ll leave it open-ended at this point.” – Tony Stewart, NASCAR veteran
This suggests that if his performance meets expectations, Stewart could become a recurring competitor in the Truck Series throughout 2026. The event at Daytona serves as a key platform for Stewart and Kaulig Racing, particularly as RAM looks to re-establish its presence in NASCAR.
Stewart commented on the significance of Daytona as a showcase moment by saying:
“I mean, this is RAM’s coming out party, so what better way to support RAM and Dodge and Stellantis than to do it at the biggest showcase of the year, the first race of the year at Daytona, so, want this to be good for RAM, want it to be good for a Kaulig.” – Tony Stewart, in an interview with motorsport.com on X
Details on Stewart’s Truck Series Appearance and Career Gap
Stewart will pilot the #25 RAM 1500 truck for Kaulig Racing in the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, part of RAM’s limited-entry Free Agent program designed to highlight NASCAR veterans. This upcoming race marks Stewart’s return to NASCAR’s Truck Series after more than 20 years away; his last Truck start was in 2005 at the MBNA RacePoints 200 held at Dover Motor Speedway.
He last competed in a NASCAR Cup Series event in 2016 at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, ending a substantial hiatus from the sport’s top tiers. Despite his lengthy break from NASCAR, Stewart remains an active hot rod racer, which adds intrigue to his adaptation to modern stock car racing.
Joey Logano Issues Caution on NASCAR’s Evolution Since Stewart’s Last Race
As Stewart prepares to re-enter the NASCAR environment, fellow NASCAR star Joey Logano has expressed a cautious outlook regarding the challenges ahead. The Team Penske driver highlighted the dramatic changes in the sport’s competitive style and intensity since Stewart last raced in the series:
“He’s gonna realize how much the world has changed since he was here last. Because what used to happen on the racetrack compared to what it is now has just changed a lot, just the level of aggression, the moves that are made are just different than what they used to be. I’m interested to see what he thinks. I’m excited to watch him. I think it’s a huge story. I’m up in the booth for it, so I’m excited to watch it.” – Joey Logano, three-time Cup Series champion
Logano’s remarks reflect significant developments in driving tactics and on-track behavior, emphasizing that the sport has become more aggressive and strategic in recent years.
Technical Advances and New Challenges Await Stewart
Since Stewart last competed in the Truck Series, several technical enhancements have transformed the vehicles, including a shift from custom V8 engines to Spec Ilmor NT1 V8s and the adoption of electronic fuel injection over carburetors. These updates affect the trucks’ handling characteristics, demanding adjustments from even experienced drivers like Stewart.
Given these substantial changes, Stewart’s performance in the Truck Series, especially with the new RAM engine, will be closely observed as a test of his ability to adapt and succeed in the evolving NASCAR landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Implications of Stewart’s NASCAR Comeback
Tony Stewart’s NASCAR re-entry following a near two-decade hiatus carries considerable significance for the sport, its fans, and the manufacturers involved. A successful showing at Daytona could pave the way for further appearances, potentially inspiring a broader resurgence of veteran racers in NASCAR’s national series.
Beyond individual results, Stewart’s involvement bolsters the visibility and marketing power of RAM and Stellantis as they aim to revitalize their footprint in racing. The anticipation surrounding his performance underscores how NASCAR continues to balance its historic roots with modern innovation and emerging talent, making Stewart’s narrative a compelling subplot for the 2026 season and beyond.
This was a lingering question mark after the Ram presser a couple of weeks back. Tony had hinted that more starts were possible after learning about the Ram Trucks trophy.
"I would have said this was one and done. But let's just say, I'll leave it open-ended at this point." https://t.co/PkT2B1LykL— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) February 12, 2026
