Tony Stewart, the celebrated three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is making a stunning return to the sport by competing at Daytona in 2026, marking his first NASCAR Truck Series race since 2005. Stewart, teaming up with Ram Trucks and Kaulig Racing for this landmark event, will serve as the lead competitor in Ram’s innovative Free Agent program, bringing fresh excitement to fans during Ram’s high-profile return to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
Legendary Career Reignites with a New Challenge
Stewart, often referred to as “Smoke” by motorsports enthusiasts, last raced in the Cup Series in 2016 before transitioning to NHRA drag racing, where he worked closely with Dodge. Returning to the NASCAR spotlight, his comeback represents a fusion of iconic racing talent and renewed automotive ambition. Stewart’s reputation for on-track intensity and success is expected to fuel anticipation for both loyal fans and new audiences.
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate,”
said Stewart, a 19-time winner at Daytona across multiple series, including NASCAR Cup, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts, and IROC.
“Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”
– Tony Stewart, Three-Time Cup Series Champion
Ram’s Free Agent Program: Merging Experience with New Talent
The Free Agent program, introduced alongside Ram’s return, is designed to attract both revered veterans like Stewart and rising talents, creating a unique blend of experience and youthful energy on the racetrack. The aim is to provide fans with dynamic pairings behind the wheel of Ram trucks, elevating the sport’s entertainment value.
“We’re not just returning to the track; we’re rewriting the playbook. Bringing Tony in as the first Free Agent will generate a crazy amount of excitement, which is exactly why we created the program—allowing fans to watch an all-time favorite driver get back into the seat, but this time, it’s a Ram truck,”
said Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis.
“This is about honoring a legacy. Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing—pure adrenaline for the fans.”
– Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis
Kaulig Racing and Ram Trucks Expand Their NASCAR Involvement
For the 2026 NASCAR season, Ram and Kaulig Racing are collaborating to field a fleet of five trucks, making a substantial commitment to the series. Stewart’s role as the Free Agent program’s inaugural participant highlights Ram’s forward-thinking vision for the sport, blending heritage with innovation to draw widespread interest.
“Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about,”
said Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing.
“He’s a legend—his name alone brings energy to the sport. We couldn’t be more fired up to have him in our camp as we roll into Daytona for our first race. This is going to be a ride worth watching.”
– Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing
Stewart’s Remarkable Legacy and Anticipation for Daytona
Tony Stewart brings an unmatched resume, being the only driver to capture all three USAC National titles—Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown—in a single season in 1995, as well as claiming the Indycar championship in 1997. A member of both the NASCAR (2020) and National Sprint Car (2022) Halls of Fame, Stewart’s enduring impact is widely celebrated, ensuring his NASCAR return will captivate attention.
The 2026 Daytona event will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, new Ram Truck reveals, and interactive race-day experiences for fans. As Kaulig Racing prepares its lineup, Stewart’s inclusion as a headline driver amplifies the excitement for this high-profile collaboration at one of motorsport’s most prestigious venues.
Looking Ahead to Daytona 2026
With Tony Stewart set for a momentous NASCAR return at Daytona, expectations are high for both the veteran champion’s performance and the innovative direction Ram and Kaulig Racing are charting. The Tony Stewart NASCAR return 2026 marks not only a personal milestone for “Smoke” but could redefine team dynamics and fan engagement within the NASCAR Truck Series. As anticipation builds for February’s race, the motorsports world will be closely watching Stewart and his new team, setting the stage for a thrilling chapter in NASCAR history.
