Legendary driver Tony Stewart is set to make a headline-grabbing Daytona race return, forming part of Kaulig Racing’s revamped Ram line-up for the upcoming event on February 13. This debut comes nearly two decades after his last Truck Series race, instantly making the Tony Stewart Daytona race return a major talking point among motorsports fans.
Kaulig Racing’s All-Star Ram Line-Up Features Stewart
Kaulig Racing announced Stewart’s inclusion as a standout name in its “Free Agent Driver Program” entry, part of a new approach that welcomes drivers from inside and outside the traditional NASCAR pool. The team intends to field five Ram Trucks throughout the season, with Stewart joining seasoned regulars Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, and Justin Haley. The roster will also be expanded to include the winner of a motorsports reality TV competition, emphasizing Kaulig’s strategy to keep its driver line-up dynamic and versatile.
Stewart, who is recognized as a Hall of Famer and a three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, retired from NASCAR competition in 2016 but has remained highly active, particularly within the NHRA drag racing scene. His current racing endeavors are aligned with Stellantis, the automotive giant that owns both Ram and Dodge, further cementing his connection to the brand as he returns to the track.
Stewart’s Experience and the Allure of Daytona
While Stewart has competed in a variety of vehicles at Daytona, this will mark his inaugural drive in a Truck Series vehicle at the legendary circuit. As Stewart said,
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,”
—a nod to the diversity of his racing career.
Enthusiasm for the opportunity was evident as Stewart added,
“Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”
— Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner. Stewart’s involvement in the Ram program demonstrates a competitive spirit combined with his continued passion for motorsports.
Kaulig Racing’s Broader Strategy and Recent Moves
This season, the team is making significant adjustments by focusing on their partnership with Ram, expanding their presence in the Truck Series, and opting to discontinue their Xfinity program. Kaulig still plans to run two Chevrolet Camaros in the NASCAR Cup Series, but with these changes, their priorities clearly lean toward innovation and varied driver participation. The team previously featured Shane van Gisbergen full-time in Xfinity in 2024, with Will Brown making appearances in both the Cup and Xfinity series in the past year, illustrating a trend of harnessing fresh talent and experienced drivers alike.
Stewart’s anticipated Daytona race comeback not only adds excitement but also signals Ram’s renewed commitment to NASCAR. The move is likely to attract increased attention to both the team’s unique driver mix and the evolving landscape of NASCAR racing.
