At the dawn of what many are calling the ‘Year of Returns’ for NASCAR in 2026, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced doubts about Tony Stewart‘s much-publicized comeback at the Daytona 500. The announcement has stirred the NASCAR community, especially with Earnhardt highlighting potential concerns about Stewart rejoining the field after nearly a decade away, particularly at one of the sport’s fastest venues.
Major Comebacks and NASCAR’s Shifting Landscape in 2026
The NASCAR world is bracing for a historic season in 2026, marked not only by the reintroduction of the Chase playoff system and the five-strike rule, but also by Dodge returning to the competition through its RAM brand after a prolonged absence. Fans and insiders alike have taken particular interest in these sweeping changes, which signal a desire to blend tradition with fresh energy.
As part of this resurgence, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will return to NASCAR, driving the No. 25 truck for Kaulig Racing at the Daytona 500. Stewart’s participation is part of Kaulig’s new Free Agent Driver Program, which aims to create excitement by featuring a revolving door of drivers in the No. 25 entry throughout the season. Stewart, now 54, is set to be the inaugural guest in this initiative, marking his first NASCAR race since November 2016.
Earnhardt’s Reaction: Cautious About Stewart’s Daytona Run
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a prominent figure in NASCAR both past and present, has publicly expressed skepticism about Stewart’s choice to make his return at Daytona, a notoriously fast and challenging superspeedway. On an episode of his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Earnhardt emphasized that while the anticipation is undeniable, he personally would not have selected Daytona for a comeback after so much time away from racing.
He picked the doozy. Damn goodness. The dude don’t get **** because now I wouldn’t have picked Daytona. I want to pick somewhere else. It must be writing him a nice check. I’ll say that. But listen, this is what Dodge wants to do.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Former Driver
Earnhardt’s comments suggest he believes Stewart’s decision may be financially motivated. He speculated that Stewart’s involvement is likely tied to a significant payout from Dodge, rather than purely a desire for competition or personal achievement. According to Earnhardt, if he were in Stewart’s place, he would have chosen a slower, less risky race for a return, emphasizing the steep learning curve facing drivers re-entering the sport after such a long hiatus.
The Marketing Strategy Behind Stewart’s Comeback
Beyond concerns over Stewart’s readiness, Earnhardt also pointed out the marketing strategy in play. He noted that Dodge and Kaulig Racing appear intent on making a major splash, not just by fielding new trucks but by crafting a narrative guaranteed to attract social media buzz and media coverage. Stewart’s status as a Cup Series champion adds star power to an already headline-grabbing team and manufacturer comeback.
Earnhardt further observed that while the decision may carry risks for Stewart, it aligns perfectly with Dodge’s desire to generate excitement and position their return as a watershed event. For Kaulig Racing, bringing in a driver of Stewart’s renown in the lead-off event is likely to boost sponsor interest and energize the team’s debut season with Dodge. These business and entertainment dynamics seem as important as the on-track competition itself.
Potential Impact on NASCAR and the Season Ahead
The lead-up to Stewart’s Daytona 500 appearance has injected both anticipation and uncertainty into the 2026 NASCAR season. His return is not just a personal story—for teams like Kaulig Racing and Dodge, it is a calculated move intended to maximize exposure, draw fan interest, and set a tone for a year defined by storied comebacks. As Earnhardt highlighted, such moves could have substantial financial and cultural impacts for all involved, signaling a new chapter for the sport as it balances heritage with headline-making spectacle.
