Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer Tony Stewart is gearing up for an unexpected return to NASCAR in 2026 at Daytona International Speedway, marking a notable moment for both himself and his wife, Leah Pruett. This highly anticipated Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback Daytona entry will see Stewart take the wheel in the NASCAR Truck Series opener, with Dodge and Stellantis making their long-awaited return to the sport.
Details Behind Stewart’s Imminent Return
Stewart, who retired from NASCAR competition following the 2016 season, is set to lead Kaulig Racing’s efforts in the 2026 Truck Series season opener at the legendary Daytona 2.5-mile superspeedway. Behind the wheel of the #25 Ram Truck under the Free Agent Driver Program, Stewart’s entry highlights a broader initiative by Dodge, Stellantis, and Ram to rejoin the world of stock car racing after more than a decade’s absence. Kaulig Racing’s #25 truck is at the forefront of this competitive return, aiming to make an immediate impact during one of the sport’s most intense events.
Leah Pruett’s Surprised Reaction to the News
Upon hearing about her husband’s decision to return to NASCAR, NHRA Top Fuel star Leah Pruett was taken aback. Stewart recounted her reaction, underscoring her concern for his safety at Daytona, a track notorious for its high-speed pack racing and frequent accidents. As Stewart shared:
“She looked at me and she’s like, ‘Why would you do that?’ She goes, ‘You’ve always told me it’s about a 70% chance you’re going to get wrecked out of any race at Daytona.’”
This candid response from Pruett highlights the apprehension many drivers and their families feel about the risks at Daytona, where the combination of speed and close-quarters racing often results in dramatic multi-car crashes.
Stewart’s Personal Motivation for Competing at Daytona
Stewart clarified that his comeback is driven not by the pursuit of more wins or records, but by the personal significance of this race for Dodge, Stellantis, and Ram. His long-standing relationship with Dodge, through his drag racing efforts with Elite Motorsports in the NHRA, makes this opportunity particularly meaningful. Stewart explained his perspective to his wife:
“I told her this is how much the Dodge brand, Stellantis and Ram mean to me. Is it the most ideal race for me to run as a driver? Probably not, in all reality.” Stewart continued.
With the #25 Ram marking the manufacturer’s re-entry into NASCAR, Stewart’s involvement is as much a symbolic gesture as it is a personal challenge, offering a high-profile stage for Ram’s return.
A Historic First Truck Start at Daytona for Stewart
Though regarded as one of the all-time great NASCAR drivers, Stewart has never raced a Truck Series event at a superspeedway like Daytona. This return marks his first NASCAR competition in nearly ten years and his first Truck Series appearance since 2005. Expressing his feelings, Stewart noted:
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate. Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun”
Stewart’s Truck Series record includes two wins and five top-ten finishes in just six career starts, further enhancing the anticipation surrounding his return for both fans and partners.
What This Means for NASCAR and the Brands Involved
Stewart’s return to the NASCAR Truck Series at Daytona in 2026 signals a significant moment for the sport, especially with Dodge, Stellantis, and Ram aligning for a high-profile comeback. For Stewart, this race offers a blend of nostalgia, loyalty, and renewed competition, as he takes the stage in a series that showcases his enduring versatility as a driver. Fans and industry insiders alike now turn their attention to February 13, 2026, expected to be a watershed event in modern NASCAR history.
