Speculation is growing around Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumors and the potential involvement of Kasey Kahne, as reports surface about Ram Trucks planning a big return in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2026. Former stars like Stewart and Kahne are now being discussed as possible drivers for a special program, aiming to capture fan nostalgia and marketing buzz if the plans move ahead.
Renewed Interest in Former NASCAR Stars
Over the course of the recent racing season, Kasey Kahne has started to edge back into the stock-car spotlight. His appearance at Rockingham Speedway earlier in 2025, racing in the Xfinity Series, marked his first outing on a national stage since 2018. Starting from the fourth position, Kahne drove competitively until a Stage 1 wreck forced him into recovery mode, but he still finished a respectable 14th place. This showing hints at the same determination and skill that marked his earlier NASCAR tenure.
In contrast, Tony Stewart’s route has been defined by major changes off the track. After Stewart-Haas Racing closed its NASCAR operations at the end of the 2024 season, Stewart said goodbye to the grind of full-time Cup Series driving. Yet, in recent months, Stewart has revealed his deep connection to NASCAR, sharing that he
misses a lot of things about NASCAR
and declaring he’s
definitely planning on coming back to NASCAR races.
While Stewart hasn’t committed to returning as a full-time driver, he’s maintained an interest in being part of the series in some form.
Ram Trucks Eyes a Dramatic Return to NASCAR
The major development stirring conversation is word that Ram Trucks and its associated brands, including Dodge, are poised for a comeback in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, possibly as soon as the 2026 season. According to industry chatter, Ram might activate a “legends” program, where established names such as Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, and Clint Bowyer would rotate driving responsibilities. The move is believed to be designed to maximize attention for the returning manufacturer by leveraging the history and draw of well-known drivers instead of depending solely on current competitors, who are often tied to exclusive manufacturer contracts.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, recently addressed these discussions, acknowledging Stewart’s name as one under consideration for the role, though he emphasized that no firm commitments had been made. His remarks fit with rising rumors among garage insiders that Ram aims to make its re-entry as memorable as possible, favoring the use of legendary personalities who already command a loyal following. The choice to work with legacy figures, therefore, could serve both sporting and commercial goals by reigniting public excitement and cementing Ram’s presence in the sport’s current landscape.
The Appeal of Nostalgia and the Potential Roster
Fan nostalgia plays a central role in these rumored moves. Seeing drivers like Stewart and Kahne suit up again—even as part-timers—offers a thrill for supporters who followed their original careers. The nostalgia factor not only generates buzz in the NASCAR community but also ensures that marketing efforts stretch well beyond racing insiders. For a brand like Ram, the return of such high-profile drivers would create a wave of attention vital for a successful relaunch in the series.
This approach is not just about sentiment. Most current NASCAR drivers are contractually committed to other manufacturers, making it strategically easier for Ram to look to legends whose ties are more flexible. As excitement builds over the prospect of Stewart, Kahne, or others sharing driving duties, the underlying logic appears compelling. The move would help insulate Ram from complications with current active drivers—allowing them to focus instead on engaging legendary competitors who are free to partner with the revived brand.
How the Fan Community Is Reacting
The rumors have ignited passionate discussions among fans, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Fans are weighing the pros and cons, with some expressing a desire to see historic records remain untouched, while others long for the thrill of seeing their heroes back on track. One prominent voice observed,
I don’t want Kasey Kahne to come back because I want his truck record to be immortalized.
Kahne has, in fact, one of the most exceptional records in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with six career starts yielding five victories, an average finish of 1.2, and never finishing worse than second. Such stellar performances have cemented his near-mythical reputation in the series.
For those who value perfect legacies, a return could open the door for that lore to be altered. Nonetheless, this concern is balanced by uncertainty over Kahne’s own ambitions; if he’s not seeking a full-time return, the argument for legacy preservation might be symbolic more than practical. Still, this sentiment highlights the strong emotional investment many fans have in their heroes’ records.
Others raise doubts about how likely a Stewart return really is, especially given his history with Dodge and Ram, remarking,
Tony has his ties to Dodge, but I don’t see him coming back to race NASCAR.
Stewart’s ties to both the teams and brands fuel speculation, but his own comments have suggested he is not planning a rigorous racing schedule. Instead, if the comeback takes shape, Stewart might serve as a driver for select events or support Ram as a brand ambassador.
Imagining Special Event Comebacks and Throwback Runs
Nostalgic scenarios dominate fan wishes, with one suggesting,
Kahne could run a throwback to the Evernham days.
A move like this would involve Kahne racing a special one-off event in a car styled after his iconic No. 9 Dodge from his Evernham Motorsports days—winning at Richmond in 2005 remains a big memory for many supporters. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, this kind of throwback appearance would likely be popular, further galvanizing both the fan base and Ram’s marketing vision.
Most observers agree that any comeback would likely be limited in scope. Another fan commented,
I think if the money is right, he’d come back tbh. And remember, it would be for a one-off. These guys won’t be doing more than one race, maybe two at best.
In reality, selective appearances, not full-season schedules, are the trend for high-profile returns. For drivers like Kahne and Stewart, who boast strong track records and market value, special-event entries deliver the desired mix of spectacle, nostalgia, and commercial impact without requiring the full commitment of a season-long campaign.
The Broader Impact of a Legends-Style Program
The proposed “legends” initiative isn’t just about two star names. There’s speculation involving Michael Mayfield and other recognized drivers, as enthusiasts debate combining several legacy names for a stronger fan and media response. While no official confirmation exists about specific drivers beyond the main rumors, the inclusion of additional personalities in the lineup could help Ram’s program maximize reach and engagement in their first year back.
The strategy appears clear: assemble a roster featuring both headliners like Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne, as well as other notable veterans, to drive interest across multiple demographics. This type of approach could give Ram a marketing edge, attracting attention not just from core NASCAR fans but also from those who remember the earlier days of these drivers’ careers.
What Comes Next for NASCAR’s Comeback Rumors?
While concrete details about the 2026 Ram program are still forthcoming, interest in Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumors is reaching new heights, underscored by both fan attachment and commercial potential. The latest statements from Ram leadership affirm that Stewart is in the mix for possible involvement, even as there’s no confirmation about who will ultimately take the wheel. Kahne, meanwhile, remains a name that resonates with both old and new fans, largely because of his almost perfect record in the truck series.
Over the coming months, further announcements from Ram or NASCAR could clarify which drivers will officially participate in this legends project. Until then, the possibility of seeing Stewart, Kahne, or other past stars return keeps the racing world buzzing, promising a mix of excitement, fandom celebration, and strategic brand-building—no matter how many races these icons ultimately race.
