The stock car world is gearing up for a dramatic return as Tony Stewart, a legendary figure in the sport, is set to compete in the 2026 NASCAR season opener at Daytona International Speedway, marking Dodge’s first race back through its Ram sub-brand. Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR insights have shed new light on Stewart’s unexpected comeback and Dodge’s motives during his recent podcast discussion.
Stewart Announces Comeback with Dodge and Kaulig Racing
Tony Stewart will be returning to NASCAR for the first time since 2016, taking the wheel of the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing. Stewart, often referred to as a daredevil and veteran, has not participated in a Truck Series race since 2005, making this event an unexpected highlight for the season. Stewart’s return not only reintroduces a Hall of Famer to competition but also signals Dodge’s intention to stand out with their sub-brand at Daytona’s high-profile opening race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who owns JR Motorsports and is a two-time Busch Series champion, commented extensively on Stewart’s return, emphasizing its significance not just for Stewart but for the broader NASCAR garage and fanbase. He noted the risks involved in attempting such a high-stakes comeback after nearly a decade away from the sport’s premier levels.
“He hadn’t been in NASCAR since 2016, and this will be his first Truck race since 2005. Boy, he picked a doozy. The dude don’t give a s**t. I wouldn’t have picked Daytona; I would have picked somewhere else. It must be writing him a nice check.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Perspective on Dodge’s Public Relations Strategy
According to Earnhardt Jr., Dodge’s approach is designed more to generate excitement and attention rather than simply focus on performance or results. By enlisting Stewart and making their return in such a prominent race, Dodge aims to maximize its visibility across social media and traditional coverage. Earnhardt Jr. suggested that the financial incentives were likely considerable for Stewart, underscoring the automaker’s goal of dominating the NASCAR conversation as they re-enter the market.
“This is what Dodge wants to do. They want to create noise, they want to create a splash. This doesn’t work for Dodge just by building trucks, cars going out, and winning races. They need the story, they need to be the big deal on social media, they need everybody talking about this.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added
In particular, Earnhardt Jr. recognized that Dodge is leveraging Stewart’s name and reputation for the largest possible impact. Rather than quietly reintroducing the brand to competition through small steps or lesser events, Dodge has chosen to make a statement at one of NASCAR’s most-watched weekends, betting that the investment in publicity will pay off in both brand awareness and potential future sponsorships.
Potential for Long-Term Impact on Kaulig Racing and Dodge’s Future
Earnhardt Jr. also addressed how this move could affect Kaulig Racing’s prospects and Dodge’s broader plans in NASCAR. He explained that the spectacle surrounding Stewart’s involvement could help justify greater financial commitments from Dodge as Kaulig aims to move up to the Cup Series. The decision to pair Stewart with Kaulig and Dodge for such a major event is seen as a calculated effort to deliver immediate attention and pave the way for further investments.
“That is the way that they’ll get their board and everybody at Dodge to help support financially what’s going to be required for them to get all the way back through the Cup Series.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted
This public relations-driven strategy is not just about generating a single moment; it could set the groundwork for Kaulig Racing’s presence in higher NASCAR tiers. Success at Daytona, whether in terms of media buzz or on-track results, may play a decisive role in shaping the level of future support Dodge extends to Kaulig and potentially other teams seeking to partner with the returning manufacturer.
Team Owner Matt Kaulig’s Reaction to Stewart’s Signing
The announcement of Stewart joining Kaulig Racing has been met with enthusiasm from the team’s owner, Matt Kaulig. For Kaulig, having a legend like Stewart in the driver’s seat is both unexpected and energizing. He describes the moment as a realization of a dream, highlighting the boost to team morale and the sense of history being made as Stewart gears up for his first Truck Series event in twenty years.
“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.”
Matt Kaulig said
Kaulig’s comments reflect how Stewart’s association brings immediate attention and motivation to the entire outfit. With NASCAR’s garage abuzz, many are eager to watch how the team and Stewart handle the spotlight at such a prestigious event, particularly considering the scale of Stewart’s hiatus and the stakes involved for both Dodge and Kaulig Racing.
Implications for NASCAR, Dodge, and the Broader Racing Community
The combination of Stewart’s celebrated return, Dodge’s high-profile strategy, and the ambitions of Kaulig Racing makes the 2026 season opener one of the most eagerly anticipated events in recent NASCAR history. This collaboration between a storied driver, a reinvigorated brand, and a hungry team signals a shifting landscape, introducing new storylines and raising expectations across the garage and fanbase. The effectiveness of Dodge’s PR-driven approach remains to be tested on the track, but the buzz it has already created underscores its potential to reshape the manufacturer’s future in the sport.
As the countdown to Daytona continues, all eyes will be on Stewart, Kaulig Racing, and Dodge to see whether this bold gamble not only draws attention but also translates to lasting success—on and off the race track. Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR insights have offered a window into the motivations and strategies behind these moves, promising a fascinating chapter ahead for NASCAR’s evolving story.
