The Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumor is circulating widely as speculation mounts about the 2026 NASCAR season, with fans eager to learn if the three-time champion might return to racing after his public departure in 2024. Recent developments involving RAM Trucks and shifting team alliances have fueled these rumors, raising questions about Stewart’s possible return and what it could mean for NASCAR’s future.
Rumors Intensify Around Tony Stewart’s Potential Return
As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, major changes are already capturing attention. RAM Trucks are reportedly in the process of returning to NASCAR, fresh venues are being added, and a significant overhaul of the playoff format is on the horizon. Amidst all of these shifts, one rumor stands out: Tony Stewart, alongside fellow veteran Kasey Kahne, might be gearing up for an unexpected comeback.
This talk has gained momentum despite Stewart’s prior frustrations with NASCAR’s direction and his strong assertion following the end of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2024. Reflecting on his departure, Stewart declared,
“I am not going to own a team in NASCAR ever again.”
— Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR champion. His departure marked the end of SHR after sixteen years, a closure brought on by financial pressures and the evolving landscape of stock car racing. For many fans, Stewart’s competitive spirit was considered a defining element of the sport, making the current comeback speculation especially compelling—and divisive.
Sources and Speculation Drive the Conversation
The conversation gathered new steam when Kaulignation, host of the RAMMIN is Racing podcast, suggested that both Stewart and Kahne could feature in the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Truck Race, piloting RAM entries. The rumor persisted even as Kaulig Racing, one of the central organizations in the discussion, split from Richard Childress Racing after ending its relationship with Chevrolet and moving toward RAM.
Mike Skinner and Angie from SiriusXM have echoed similar speculations in recent coverage, lending some weight to the possibility of Stewart’s involvement. Kaulignation followed up, claiming that the Kaulig and RAM partnership aimed to introduce a fifth truck specifically for the All-Star event and hinted that Justin Haley could compete in select Cup Series races. This potential move could tie back to the shifting lineup that has cleared the way for Haley’s participation in the Truck Series event.
Changing Dynamics in NASCAR May Influence Stewart’s Decision
Stewart’s well-known discontent with the direction NASCAR has taken in recent years has been interpreted by many as a reason he’d never return. However, evolving circumstances could create the opportunity for a change of heart. Recent legal settlements, anticipated improvements to the points system, and the expansion to new race venues are all reshaping the sport’s landscape, potentially bringing it closer to Stewart’s values and perspectives.
Another important factor is the involvement of Stellantis, the automaker behind RAM Trucks. Stellantis plans to make a substantial marketing investment linked to its NASCAR reentry, including a new television project, and already provides significant support for Stewart’s NHRA racing programs. The possibility of Stewart’s return could be influenced as much by a mutually beneficial relationship with Stellantis as by any changes within NASCAR itself.
What the Potential Comeback Could Mean for NASCAR
If Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne return to compete in 2026, the implications would be considerable—not only for the competitive landscape but also for the sport’s marketability. The involvement of a prominent manufacturer eager to reestablish itself, shifting team alliances, and the tentative participation of familiar names like Justin Haley demonstrate a broader transformation in NASCAR’s structure.
While skepticism remains due to Stewart’s prior statements and ongoing frustration with NASCAR’s leadership, the possibility of strategic collaboration with major industry players and a changing league format keeps the rumor alive. The motorsports world will closely watch the coming months as Stewart’s next moves—and the real direction of the Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback rumor—become clearer.
Here is a pretty big story to follow. On the @RAMMINisRACING podcast Wednesday night 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… pic.twitter.com/d7q1mwEEOU
— Kaulignation (@Kaulignation) November 9, 2025
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
