Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumors are stirring headlines as speculation intensifies around both Stewart and Kasey Kahne possibly returning to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kaulig Racing in 2026. The buzz follows news of Kaulig Racing’s partnership with RAM Trucks, creating heightened anticipation for the team’s so-called All-Star entry that could attract legendary names for select appearances.
Speculation Centers on Kaulig Racing’s Bold 2026 Plans
The excitement began when the Kaulignation podcast, closely linked to Kaulig Racing updates, suggested that Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne were considered as potential headliners for Kaulig’s new RAM All-Star Truck initiative. Their commentary quickly spread through the NASCAR rumor mill and was discussed by host Mike Skinner on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, amplifying the sense that Stewart and Kahne might be contenders for a temporary NASCAR return.
Officially, Kaulig Racing has shifted focus after withdrawing from the Xfinity Series at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Concentrating resources on both Truck and Cup series efforts for 2026, the organization plans to field five RAM-branded entries. Among those already named are Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley, signaling the team’s intent to blend rising talent with established drivers.
Additional names like Landon Huffman, Timmy Tyrrell, Carson Ferguson, and Conner Jones have surfaced as possible lineup options, reflecting the team’s ongoing search to balance experience and fresh perspectives in its roster. However, what truly electrified fans and the industry was the prospect of Stewart and Kahne joining for special, short-term stints—a possibility reportedly encouraged by Stellantis, RAM’s parent company, as part of its effort to make a high-impact return to NASCAR.
“We speculated Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne made sense for names that could be attached to the Kaulig/RAM All-Star truck. On Friday we were told by a source that those names were actually names they had heard as options for that truck along with others.”
– Kaulignation, RAMMIN is Racing podcast
Legacy Drivers and the New Marketing Push
Tony Stewart’s connection to Stellantis adds credibility to the rumors. As a current NHRA competitor, Stewart’s racing program already enjoys sponsorship from Stellantis, building a relationship that now spans both drag racing and potential NASCAR involvement. The synergy between his drag racing operation and Kaulig’s entry in stock car racing has sparked industry chatter about a possible crossover, but seasoned observers remain reserved about Stewart’s willingness to return to the driver’s seat in NASCAR—especially after such a prolonged absence from stock car racing.
Kasey Kahne, meanwhile, recently reignited discussions of a comeback by participating in an Xfinity Series race with Richard Childress Racing, his first NASCAR event in eight years. Piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet, Kahne not only finished inside the top 15 but showcased his ongoing competitiveness and passion for the sport, attracting renewed attention from longtime fans as well as newcomers.
“I enjoyed it,” Kahne said after the race. “I’ve really looked forward to it and put a lot into it. It was really fun working with the RCR group, going up to their shop, just being part of a NASCAR team again — that was really cool. … I’m really glad I did this. I wish it would have gone differently, but we were very competitive and had a shot at being somewhere in that top five if things went our way.”
– Kasey Kahne, Former NASCAR Driver
This return, albeit brief, demonstrated Kahne’s ongoing drive and effectiveness behind the wheel, making him an attractive possibility for Kaulig’s All-Star entry—especially for a role that demands high visibility and connects with loyal fans of the sport’s previous era. Kahne’s clean reputation, extensive experience with organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress, and natural marketing appeal position him as a logical fit for Stellantis’s objectives as RAM seeks to make a memorable mark in the Truck Series.
Is Stewart Likely to Make a Comeback, or Does Kahne Stand a Better Chance?
Tony Stewart last competed at the NASCAR level in 2016 and, in the years since, has distanced himself publicly and professionally from participating as a driver or team owner. His dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s evolving format, changes in vehicle design, playoff procedures, and officiating became especially pronounced following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. These factors, combined with his recent successes outside NASCAR—including winning the 2025 NHRA regular-season championship and forming one of the largest drag racing organizations in the nation through a merger with Elite Motorsports—have kept Stewart’s focus firmly on drag racing. His wife, Leah Pruett-Stewart, is also slated for a full-time return next year in their team’s effort, adding to their collective commitments outside NASCAR.
Given these circumstances, most analysts and industry observers believe that Stewart is unlikely to make a competitive return to NASCAR. While a one-off appearance as part of a high-profile marketing campaign remains on the table, such a move would depend heavily on Stellantis’s ambitions and Stewart’s willingness to participate—factors that seem uncertain given his current trajectory and outspoken views on NASCAR policy.
On the other hand, Kahne appears much more open to the idea. After his recent Xfinity race, he expressed satisfaction with being part of a NASCAR team once again and demonstrated that he still possesses competitive speed and versatility. These qualities resonate with Kaulig’s goals for its All-Star effort: to combine the resonance of veteran names with a compelling story for both legacy fans and a new audience. Kahne’s clean driving record, history with prominent teams, and connection with the fanbase make him a prime candidate for a featured, part-time role in the RAM All-Star Truck.
What Comes Next for Kaulig, Stellantis, and NASCAR’s All-Star Ambitions?
At present, Kaulig Racing and RAM have not issued official statements naming Stewart, Kahne, or any other veterans for part-time All-Star roles beyond the announced core lineup. Stellantis, however, is committed to generating buzz as RAM re-enters NASCAR and is likely to continue exploring creative marketing angles that could involve celebrated drivers known for drawing national attention.
As the sport gears up for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series, the ongoing speculation underscores NASCAR’s enduring appeal and the value of blending popular veterans with up-and-coming talent. With drivers like Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, Landon Huffman, Timmy Tyrrell, Carson Ferguson, and Conner Jones vying for their spot on the grid, and All-Star rumors swirling around Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne, Kaulig Racing’s next moves could set the tone for an especially memorable season—one that aims to engage legacy fans while ushering in new faces and broader commercial partnerships.
The next official announcements from Kaulig and Stellantis will be watched closely by the industry and fans alike. Regardless of whether Stewart and Kahne ultimately return, the current wave of Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumors is keeping the spotlight fixed on stock-car racing’s evolving landscape, underlining the sport’s persistent ability to captivate and energize audiences nationwide.
We are seeing a serious amount of push back to the Tony Stewart possibly making a couple of starts for RAM/Kaulig. So let’s go over a few things and see where we end up.
* We first heard of the RAM all star truck from a source of ours not long ago. We were given no names… pic.twitter.com/jqeQEgR8he
— Kaulignation (@Kaulignation) November 10, 2025
