Tony Stewart is set to make a highly anticipated return to NASCAR competition, stepping back behind the wheel after a decade for the upcoming Truck Series event at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. The Tony Stewart NASCAR Daytona return is creating significant buzz, as the three-time Cup Series champion teams up with Kaulig Racing for their new RAM Truck Series program debut.
Stewart’s Historic Comeback in Daytona
Marking his first NASCAR appearance since the 2016 Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway and his first Truck Series start since 2005, Tony Stewart will drive the No. 25 RAM for Kaulig Racing. The event, which also serves as the season-opener for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, signals a major moment both for Stewart and the team as Kaulig Racing unveils its five-truck initiative at the iconic Florida track.
Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, brings a wealth of experience to the competition. Over his six previous Truck Series races, Stewart has amassed two wins, four top-five placements, five top-10 finishes, and maintained an impressive average finish of 8.3. This outstanding record highlights the excitement surrounding his participation in Daytona’s fast-paced, unpredictable environment.
Veteran Expertise Powering Kaulig Racing’s Truck Debut
At 54, Stewart will act as the first in a series of drivers to pilot the No. 25 truck, but his renowned skill and deep knowledge of the sport provide Kaulig Racing with a strong foundation for their Truck Series program. NASCAR has witnessed few drivers with comparable success at Daytona. Stewart’s career at the superspeedway includes four victories in the Cup Series summer events and, remarkably, seven wins with ten top-10 finishes in fourteen O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Daytona.
“Welcome to The Smoke Show. ️@TonyStewart returns to @NASCAR with @KauligRacing and @RamTrucks! pic.twitter.com/vnxtcluWV6″— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks)
The strategic decision by Kaulig Racing to enlist Stewart for their Daytona debut leverages his proven record and his popularity with fans, heightening anticipation that the veteran might deliver one more memorable performance on the legendary track.
Anticipation Builds for Stewart’s Performance
As the season-opener approaches, Stewart’s return is drawing attention from both fans and NASCAR insiders. While there is always unpredictability during Daytona’s high-speed, close-quarters racing, Stewart’s history of navigating the “carnage” and his ability to reach the front of the pack offer hope for a signature display of his racing prowess. Supporters are eager to witness the familiar competitive drive and racecraft that earned Stewart his nickname “Smoke.”
Daytona International Speedway has long stood as a proving ground for NASCAR talent, and Tony Stewart’s comeback, after ten years away from the series, brings an added level of excitement to this year’s Truck Series opener. For Kaulig Racing, the event not only marks a milestone debut for their new team but also gives them a celebrated driver to lead the charge. Fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Stewart’s NASCAR Daytona return delivers another chapter in his already storied career.
Welcome to The Smoke Show. 🏎️💨@TonyStewart returns to @NASCAR with @KauligRacing and @RamTrucks! pic.twitter.com/vnxtcluWV6
— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) January 13, 2026
