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Tony Stewart’s return to NASCAR competition in 2026 has quickly become one of the most buzzed-about stories of the offseason. The three-time Cup Series champion is set to drive the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This marks Stewart’s first Truck Series start since 2005 and his first NASCAR race since retiring from full-time Cup competition in 2016.
Ram’s decision to re-enter NASCAR with a splash is no accident. Instead of a low-key debut, the brand and Kaulig Racing have chosen one of the sport’s biggest stages and one of its most iconic figures.
The move instantly turned heads, capturing the attention of fans, media, and drivers alike. Among the first to weigh in was Dale Earnhardt Jr., who shared his take on the news during his Dale Jr. Download podcast.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Why Daytona is the Perfect Stage
On Dirty Mo Media’s Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. homed in on the significance of Stewart’s venue and the larger strategy at play.
“He picked a doozy. Tony Stewart isn’t scared of it. I wouldn’t have picked Daytona. I would’ve picked somewhere else. But this is what Dodge wants to do. They want to create noise. They want to create a splash. This doesn’t work for Dodge by just building trucks and going out and winning races. They need the story and the big deal on social media. They need everyone talking about this.
This is the start. This is how they get their board and everyone at Dodge to financially support what it’s going to take to get all the way back to the Cup Series. Winning races matters, but they need engagement. That’s what this is all about. Bring Tony. They’re going to have the attention. Bringing Tony Stewart back to Daytona in a truck. That’s how you do it. One hundred percent.”
Earnhardt Jr. emphasized that Stewart’s return is about more than racing results. It’s a marketing masterstroke designed to ignite excitement and conversation from the very first green flag.
Stewart’s Challenge: Back in NASCAR at Daytona
Since his last NASCAR start in 2016, Stewart has remained active in motorsports, notably racing in NHRA Top Fuel. Returning to Daytona, a track famous for its high-speed packs and unpredictable multi-truck accidents, raises the stakes. Stewart hasn’t competed in a NASCAR-style pack race for years, making his comeback even more intriguing.
The 2026 Truck Series opener will be Stewart’s first in that series since 2005, underscoring how extraordinary this return is, even for a driver of his caliber.
Ram and Kaulig: A Bold Re-Entry
Tony Stewart’s drive with Kaulig Racing is more than a one-off; it’s the first step in Ram’s broader NASCAR comeback. As Earnhardt Jr. pointed out, Ram’s approach is all about making headlines and building momentum, not just quietly rejoining the grid. The hope is that this high-profile return will spark fan engagement and pave the way for a full-fledged Cup Series campaign down the road.
For NASCAR fans, the story brings a beloved name back to the spotlight at one of racing’s most legendary venues. When the green flag drops at Daytona, all eyes will be on Tony Stewart and the No. 25 Ram truck, eager to see what unfolds in this highly anticipated return.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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