The motorsports world is abuzz as rumors circulate about a potential Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback in 2026, with industry insiders and fans alike speculating on his possible return to the Truck Series grid. These discussions surface as NASCAR undergoes notable changes for the upcoming seasons, stoking excitement through new manufacturer involvement and adjustments to the competition format.
Industry Shifts Set the Stage for Stewart’s Possible Return
The anticipation for next year’s NASCAR season is higher than usual. Dodge, re-entering the Truck Series under its RAM brand, adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the circuit. Additional excitement stems from recent NASCAR announcements about updates to the playoff format, which many expect will reshape how drivers and teams approach the championship.
Technical updates are also on the horizon, with Cup Series cars slated to receive a modest power increase on select tracks. Fans hope these tweaks will enhance the overall racing experience and create more competitive events, further elevating interest around the series.
Notable Comebacks Highlight Recent Seasons
Throughout NASCAR’s history, only a handful of retired athletes have managed successful returns to the sport. Kasey Kahne, for example, recently came back to participate in an Xfinity Series race at Rockingham. Other drivers such as Casey Mears, Juan Pablo Montoya, Gregg Biffle, and Matt Kenseth have all staged memorable comebacks, reminding fans that storied careers sometimes receive encore chapters.
Tony Stewart Among Names Linked to RAM’s NASCAR Project
The rumor mill intensified as details emerged about Stellantis, parent company of RAM, ramping up involvement in NASCAR. Reports claim that for the 2026 Truck Series season, Kaulig Racing will field five trucks with RAM, with one seat potentially tied to Tony Stewart. Three drivers—Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley—have already secured full-time spots with Kaulig Racing next year.
This leaves two open seats, and speculation points toward legendary figures potentially filling them. Online source Kaulignation indicated their contacts had mentioned Stewart as a candidate for one of these prized positions, lending credibility to the ongoing rumors. Additional discussion on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio further fanned speculation, with hosts mentioning hearing about Stewart being considered for the All-Star truck race.
NHRA Ties and Official Silence Fuel Further Speculation
Part of the speculation stems from Tony Stewart’s current success as an NHRA driver and team owner; his Tony Stewart Racing outfit competes in Top Fuel among Dodge-supported teams. This partnership has prompted some to believe that his existing links with Dodge could ease his return to the NASCAR landscape. As the pieces seemingly align, both fans and insiders continue to connect dots that suggest a memorable comeback could materialize.
However, in a recent conversation reported earlier this year, RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis revealed to Kevin Harvick that he was unaware of any plans involving Stewart in Dodge’s NASCAR return. This comment has tempered expectations somewhat, though it hasn’t slowed persistent rumors or dampened fan enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of a Stewart Comeback
Despite the uncertainty, anticipation remains high around the possibility of Tony Stewart joining the Truck Series in a RAM-backed Kaulig Racing entry for 2026. His potential return to the NASCAR spotlight is generating renewed interest not only among his longstanding fans but the wider racing community as well, especially as Kasey Kahne’s comeback is also rumored to accompany Stewart’s. Whether these speculations prove accurate will depend on official announcements in the coming months, but the prospect of seeing a three-time Cup Series champion back in action has unquestionably energized both casual followers and dedicated supporters of the sport.
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
