Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback has electrified the motorsports world, as the legendary three-time Cup Series champion announced his high-profile return to NASCAR competition at the Daytona International Speedway season opener in 2026. Stewart will be taking the wheel of the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing, marking his first NASCAR appearance since his retirement from full-time Cup racing in 2016 and his first Truck Series race in over 20 years.
The decision by Ram and Kaulig Racing to make this move is anything but understated. Rather than easing into the Craftsman Truck Series, the re-entry is set for Daytona, one of NASCAR’s most storied venues, which amplifies the significance of both the brand’s and Stewart’s return. The anticipation surrounding Stewart’s comeback has captured the attention of fans, competitors, and industry veterans, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. being among the very first to share his reaction.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sees Daytona as a Strategic Launchpad
During his Dale Jr. Download podcast on Dirty Mo Media, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on why Daytona is the ideal stage for Tony Stewart’s dramatic return and Ram’s bold reintroduction to NASCAR. Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that not only does the spectacle of Daytona provide maximum exposure, but it also perfectly fits Ram’s agenda to make headlines in their return to the sport.
“He picked a doozy. Tony Stewart isn’t scared of it. I wouldn’t have picked Daytona. I would’ve picked somewhere else. But this is what Dodge wants to do. They want to create noise. They want to create a splash. This doesn’t work for Dodge by just building trucks and going out and winning races. They need the story and the big deal on social media. They need everyone talking about this.
This is the start. This is how they get their board and everyone at Dodge to financially support what it’s going to take to get all the way back to the Cup Series. Winning races matters, but they need engagement. That’s what this is all about. Bring Tony. They’re going to have the attention. Bringing Tony Stewart back to Daytona in a truck. That’s how you do it. One hundred percent.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Host of Dale Jr. Download
Earnhardt Jr.’s remarks underscore the dual role this return aspires to play: both as a racing venture and as a media spectacle designed to draw major attention to Ram’s NASCAR strategy.
What Awaits Stewart at the Iconic Daytona Track
Since stepping away from NASCAR in 2016, Tony Stewart has not remained idle, maintaining his competitive edge by racing in the NHRA Top Fuel series. However, his return at Daytona, a circuit renowned for relentless speed and unpredictable pack racing, raises both excitement and formidable risk. The challenge is even greater for Stewart, who has not experienced a NASCAR pack race for several years, heightening the sense of anticipation for how he will handle the opener against a fresh crop of competitors.
This marks Stewart’s return to the Truck Series for the first time since 2005, making it a unique moment even in the context of his storied racing career. The high-stakes environment of Daytona ensures that every move will be closely scrutinized, both on and off the track.
Ram and Kaulig Racing’s Ambitious Return Plan
Stewart’s partnership with Kaulig Racing represents more than a simple comeback; it signals the beginning of Ram’s deliberate and attention-seeking re-engagement in NASCAR. Earnhardt Jr. highlighted how the move is calculated to create maximum fan excitement and spark robust social media engagement. The spectacle is designed to rally internal support at Dodge and set the foundation for a possible full return to the Cup Series in the future.
Fans are eager to see Stewart’s legendary name back at a historic racing venue like Daytona, with the No. 25 Ram truck poised to be the centerpiece of this highly anticipated chapter. The outcome of Stewart’s performance could play a pivotal role in shaping Ram’s NASCAR ambitions and provide a benchmark for the sport’s evolving landscape.
As the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season opener approaches, attention builds not only on Stewart’s competitive prospects but also on how the synergy between driver, team, and brand can reignite enthusiasm in NASCAR’s passionate fanbase. With stakes high and eyes focused on Daytona, Tony Stewart’s comeback stands to influence the trajectory of Ram’s future in American motorsport.
