NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, an icon in motorsports and current NHRA Drag Racing team owner and driver, will make his highly anticipated NASCAR return in February 2026. Stewart will drive the #25 Ram Truck for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, bringing fresh excitement to the event and marking his first NASCAR start since 2016, a key moment for fans of the Tony Stewart NASCAR Daytona return.
Kaulig Racing Announces Stewart as Lead Driver for Unique Truck Entry
On Tuesday, January 13, Kaulig Racing revealed that Tony Stewart would be their first driver in the #25 Ram Truck as part of the team’s new Free Agent Driver Program. The announcement means Stewart will compete at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 13, at the opening event of the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series. The #25 entry stands out as Kaulig’s “All-Star” truck, a spot designated for select high-profile drivers to join the team on a rotating basis throughout the season.
This announcement has electrified the paddock, as Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will make his first-ever Truck Series start at Daytona’s legendary 2.5-mile track. Kaulig Racing owner Matt Kaulig expressed the team’s excitement, stating:
“Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about. 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.”
Despite 19 previous wins at Daytona in NASCAR’s upper divisions—the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and IROC—Stewart has never taken on the Truck Series at this storied venue. There has yet to be an announcement on who will serve as Stewart’s crew chief for this critical race, adding a layer of suspense to the upcoming event.
Stewart Embraces Opportunity with the Ram Free Agent Driver Program
Tony Stewart, known for his adaptability behind the wheel, shared his anticipation about racing a truck at Daytona for the first time. Despite a career that has seen him compete in nearly every type of racecar at this track, Stewart did not hesitate when approached by Kaulig Racing about returning for this event. Reflecting on the offer, Stewart remarked:
“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. Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”
At 54 years old, Stewart’s latest venture will see him join Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and the winner of the Race for the Seat reality TV series as part of Kaulig Racing’s five-truck Daytona lineup. The collaboration between Kaulig Racing and Ram is expected to infuse the Truck Series with extra star power and put a spotlight on both Stewart’s versatility and the team’s innovative driver program.
A Momentous Homecoming and What Lies Ahead
Stewart’s NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona is far more than a racing return—it represents a homecoming for a Hall of Famer whose name is synonymous with American motorsports. For Kaulig Racing, the addition of Stewart to their roster enhances the status of their All-Star entry and underscores the growing appeal of the Truck Series. As anticipation builds, fans and competitors alike are eager to witness how Stewart’s decades of experience and competitive spirit will translate when he takes the wheel in Daytona’s season opener. The event promises to be a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of NASCAR, the Truck Series, and Stewart’s own legendary 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
