Tony Stewart addresses rumors of NASCAR team ownership return as speculation grows around Dodge’s intent to re-enter the NASCAR Cup Series. The discussion comes as RAM Trucks confirms plans for its return to NASCAR, starting with the Craftsman Truck Series and hinting at a future Cup Series involvement.
Dodge Sets Sights on NASCAR Cup Series Amid Owner Speculation
During a recent exchange with former driver Kevin Harvick, RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis was questioned about Dodge’s alignment and chatter involving Tony Stewart. Harvick playfully suggested that he might assist in convincing Stewart to return as a Cup Series team owner. Kuniskis described the rumors surrounding Stewart’s involvement and said:
“People said when I was at MIS and I made this announcement, they said, ‘Are you just fishing for the team to see who stands up? I didn’t hear anything from Tony, but we’ll see where this all ends up.”
While the speculation swirled, Tony Stewart made his own position on the matter clear. Known for his championship legacy in NASCAR and now a leading figure in drag racing, Stewart expressed full support for Dodge’s NASCAR ambitions but firmly shut down the idea of revisiting team ownership:
“We’ll do everything we can to help. But I am not going to own a team in NASCAR ever again.”
Stewart has shifted his competitive focus to the NHRA, actively participating in the series and leading the standings after notable recent successes, including his first career NHRA victory in Las Vegas. Stewart competes for Tony Stewart Racing, with Dodge supporting his NHRA Top Fuel Dragster efforts.
Stewart’s Ongoing Success in NHRA and Upcoming Challenge
Currently, Stewart is in his second season behind the wheel of the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster. As of now, he sits atop the NHRA leaderboard with 700 points, continuing to build his presence in the drag racing world. His next appearance will be at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park, scheduled for June 20 to 22.
Alongside Stewart, fellow Tony Stewart Racing driver Matt Hagan will campaign the Funny Car entry, both supported by the Tennessee-based beer brand American Rebel Light. Stewart has publicly shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event and aims to secure a strong qualifying position, while Hagan is working to climb from his current fifth place in the points.
“If we can focus on a really good qualifying position, it could hopefully change our Sunday around by being able to qualify in the top half of the field,” Hagan said in a statement (via Mopar Insiders).
The Virginia event represents Stewart’s next opportunity to build on his recent NHRA achievements, with fans able to watch the action live on NHRA.tv.
Looking Ahead for Stewart, Dodge, and NASCAR
As Dodge prepares its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and hints at rejoining the Cup Series, CEO Tim Kuniskis and Tony Stewart remain central figures in the evolving landscape. While Stewart is committed to supporting Dodge’s interests within NASCAR, he firmly rules out any return to team ownership, choosing instead to focus on his NHRA pursuits. Fans and observers now await Dodge’s next official step in the Cup Series and watch how Tony Stewart’s racing journey unfolds at Virginia Motorsports Park and beyond.
