Tony Stewart is officially marking his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, piloting the No. 25 RAM for Kaulig Racing’s debut at Daytona International Speedway. After a full decade away from the NASCAR grid and nearly 20 years since his last Truck Series race, Stewart’s comeback underscores the launch of RAM’s innovative Free Agent program and reconnects the three-time Cup Series champion with oval competition at Daytona.
Background: Stewart’s Racing Journey and Hiatus
The last time Stewart suited up for a NASCAR race was back in 2016, when he drove his iconic Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet before retiring from regular competition. In the years since, Stewart dedicated himself to team ownership, navigated the highs and lows of the SRX Series, pursued interests in drag racing, and supported his wife’s racing career and their family life away from the NASCAR spotlight.
The Road to Stewart’s Selection and the Free Agent Program
Stewart’s anticipated return comes after Kaulig Racing decided to expand its truck operation from three to five vehicles for the 2026 season. According to Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice, the initial discussions around filling the expanded lineup eventually led to considering Stewart for a prized seat in the team’s fifth truck. The behind-the-scenes push gained steam and culminated in Stewart’s selection as the first driver to benefit from RAM’s new Free Agent initiative.
“We weren’t really involved in much of those conversations. We were involved at the eleventh hour to get him over the top. I think with Tony coming back and showing that it’s great to have RAM back into sport, that’s a big deal for the sport. That’s a big deal for Kaulig Racing, that’s a big deal for RAM. I’m pumped to spend some time with Tony and talk about him about running his own program, the goods & bads. So I am excited about that.”
— Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing
“That’s a big deal for the sport.”
— Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing
Why Daytona, Why Trucks, Why Now?
For Stewart, returning to Daytona carries special significance. Despite an accomplished history at the Florida superspeedway—including four Summer Cup race wins, three Duel victories, several Clash wins, O’Reilly event triumphs, and two IROC victories—the Truck Series event at Daytona remained an unchecked box on his storied résumé. The chance to partner with RAM for the manufacturer’s NASCAR comeback, and to do so at this iconic venue, sealed Stewart’s swift decision to return.
With only six Truck Series starts in his career, Stewart boasts two victories, his latest Truck win dating back to 2003 at Richmond. The Free Agent program excites Stewart both as an opportunity to remain race-sharp and to relive the rocket-paced competitive environment that has defined his athletic legacy.
New Structure for Kaulig Racing and the RAM Partnership
Kaulig Racing’s 2026 Truck Series campaign will feature three full-time RAM entries, driven by Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley. A fourth seat is designated as the Free Agent ride, supporting RAM’s aim to combine racing nostalgia with opportunities for both legendary and up-and-coming drivers. The team’s fifth truck seat has been reserved for contestants emerging from “Race For The Seat,” a reality-based contest designed to infuse fresh talent into the series and engage a wider fanbase.
Anticipation Builds for Stewart’s Return and the Series’ Future
Stewart’s comeback has triggered excitement across the NASCAR community, promising to boost attention for both Kaulig Racing and RAM as they seek to attract some of motorsport’s biggest names, past and present. The Free Agent entry is set to feature a rotating roster throughout the season, giving fans a chance to watch racing legends like Stewart contend with new faces on the track at Daytona and beyond.
While Stewart’s trophy case lacks a Daytona 500 win, his extensive record at the tri-oval makes his arrival in the Craftman Truck Series opener much anticipated. The presence of established talents such as Chris Rice orchestrating the initiative, combined with Stewart’s enduring fame, positions the race as a major milestone for the manufacturer, the team, and NASCAR overall. As the Free Agent program continues to evolve, expect a blend of familiar and rising stars to grab the spotlight in a format designed to maximize competition and fan involvement.
💨 "That's a big deal for the sport." @KauligRacing CEO @C_Rice1 explained how @TonyStewart landed in a @Kaulig_Trucks ride for the season opener at Daytona.
More ➡️ : https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/2GXhr7OTCu
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 14, 2026
