Speculation is growing around a Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback as rumors swirl about his possible return to racing, just weeks after the end of the 2025 NASCAR season. The legendary three-time Cup Series champion, currently involved in NHRA Top Fuel as both a competitor and team owner, is reportedly being considered for a seat in the Truck Series, with Kaulig Racing emerging as a focal point in the ongoing discussions about available rides.
Growing Buzz Around Stewart and Kaulig Racing’s Remaining Seats
Tony Stewart has once again captured headlines in the NASCAR community, largely due to persistent talk of his potential return. While Stewart last competed in NASCAR back in 2016, connecting him to a new chapter in the sport comes at a time when changes are stirring off the track as well. Dodge, through its RAM brand and parent company Stellantis, has announced plans to ramp up its presence in the Truck Series, aiming for a broader impact in partnership with Kaulig Racing.
Kaulig Racing is set to feature five RAM trucks next season. So far, confirmed drivers are Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley, leaving two seats unfilled. Given Stewart’s NHRA association with Dodge, speculation has linked him to one of these remaining positions, elevating anticipation within the industry.
Statements from Kaulig CEO Chris Rice on Stewart’s Prospects
Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice addressed the mounting rumors during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He made it clear that, as of now, neither Stewart nor Kasey Kahne (who is linked to the other open seat) has an official deal with the team, though discussions have taken place about both drivers and other Dodge-affiliated racers.
“We do not have a contract with either one of those guys. Do we have conversations about those guys? Absolutely. Do we have conversations about everybody that drove a Dodge car? Absolutely.”
– Chris Rice, CEO
While Rice acknowledged ongoing discussions, he refrained from directly ruling out Stewart’s return in a Kaulig entry. Notably, such deflection has occurred in previous scenarios, where Rice downplayed rumors—such as the RAM and Kaulig partnership and Brenden Queen’s signing—only for those developments to be officially confirmed later. This pattern casts a shadow of uncertainty, as fans and insiders question if history might repeat itself with Stewart.
Why Speculation Persists About Stewart’s Return
Even without explicit confirmation from the Kaulig camp, signals from recent media appearances indicate that interest remains high around Stewart’s name. Past examples demonstrate that Kaulig Racing prefers not to reveal significant moves until an announcement is certain. In the case of the RAM partnership, Rice at first characterized their talks as typical of what all teams have with manufacturers, before the deal was eventually confirmed for 2026.
Other cases, such as those involving Brenden Queen and the team’s exit from the Xfinity Series, followed a similar pattern: public attempts to temper the rumors, with official news later upending the speculation. As a result, Stewart’s prospects for a NASCAR comeback continue to generate genuine anticipation.
Potential Impact and Historical Context of a Stewart Comeback
If Stewart returns to the NASCAR scene, he would join the ranks of notable drivers such as Juan Pablo Montoya, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, and Casey Mears—each of whom left the sport and later made a comeback. Stewart’s re-entry would reflect a growing trend of former champions finding renewed purpose and excitement in new racing roles or series.
As of now, Kaulig Racing has neither confirmed nor denied the final lineup for its upcoming Truck Series campaign. The ongoing speculation keeps the NASCAR community on edge, with the potential for Tony Stewart’s name to once again grace the grid solidifying this as one of the off-season’s most closely watched storylines. Fans, sponsors, and fellow teams await further developments, knowing that Stewart’s possible return could shift the dynamics heading into the next racing year.
❌ "We do not have a contract with either one of those guys."@KauligRacing CEO Chris Rice addresses the rumors of Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne driving for @Kaulig_Trucks in 2026.
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— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 13, 2025
