Tony Stewart‘s unexpected decision to compete in the upcoming NASCAR Truck Series event has sent shockwaves throughout the racing world, notably catching his wife, Leah Pruett, off guard. The veteran driver, known for his three NASCAR Cup championships, will pilot the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing at the Daytona season opener on February 13, making his first national NASCAR start since 2016 and marking a highly anticipated Tony Stewart NASCAR return.
Stewart has had limited experience in the Truck Series over his career, having made just six starts between 1996 and 2005, where he claimed two victories and five top-ten finishes. His absence from the NASCAR scene, especially in the Truck Series, only heightened the surprise when he announced his participation. Stewart discussed his return in an interview with Racer, explaining that his involvement is in celebration of Ram’s comeback to the series, and highlighting the genuine, candid reaction from Pruett to the bold move.
“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,’” Tony Stewart said.
The return of Ram to the Truck Series is significant since it has been absent from NASCAR’s national truck competition since 2012. Kaulig Racing, now in partnership with Stellantis—Ram’s parent company—will field five entries for the next season, sharing driving opportunities among various free agents. Tony Stewart is the initial lead in this rotation, underscoring his deep ties with Stellantis and the Dodge brand through his own Tony Stewart Racing outfit in NHRA events.
“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,” he added.
Leah Pruett and Stewart’s Family Dynamics Shape Their Racing Decisions
Leah Pruett, herself a respected Top Fuel racer, paused her own racing career in 2024 to focus on starting a family, with planned return to Top Fuel for Tony Stewart Racing set for 2026. This notable decision for Pruett and the multi-year partnership between TSR, Dodge, and the Direct Connection program highlight the intertwining of professional ambitions and personal commitments within their family. Stewart’s decision to re-enter NASCAR parallels this context of balancing legacy, business, and personal priorities.
Stewart Reflects on His Track Record at Daytona and the Challenges Ahead
Though Stewart hasn’t operated in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2016, his competitive fire remains strong. He reminded fans and the media that his prior results at Daytona provide a measure of confidence as he approaches this high-risk, high-profile race. Stewart emphasized that while the technology and landscape of racing may change, some fundamentals at Daytona endure.
“It doesn’t matter how much technology changes, the one thing that doesn’t change at Daytona is the air. So, I think our record book shows we have a pretty good success rate at Daytona, and at least we understood that part of it,” Tony Stewart said.
The No. 25 entry for Kaulig Racing at Daytona adds Stewart to a notable roster of contenders including Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Carson Hocevar, and Corey Lajoie, all of whom are set to take part in the Truck Series season opener. Stewart’s past achievements at Daytona International Speedway span Cup and Xfinity (O’Reilly) Series races, solidifying his expertise at the iconic track even after years removed from NASCAR competition.
Recent Career Moves Show Stewart’s Versatility and Commitment
During his time away from NASCAR, Stewart achieved remarkable milestones in NHRA. In 2025, he captured two Top Fuel wins, secured the NHRA regular-season championship, and was named Rookie of the Year in 2024, finishing fifth in the overall standings for 2025. Despite moving on from his NHRA driving seat with TSR following Pruett’s return, his multi-series success reflects a career built on adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Meanwhile, Stellantis has positioned itself robustly for a factory-backed return to NASCAR’s Truck Series, further aligning its motorsports strategy with Stewart’s ventures both on the oval and drag strips. This corporate synergy is expected to energize Ram’s return to NASCAR, strengthen Dodge’s profile, and reinforce Kaulig Racing’s standing in the field.
What Stewart’s Comeback Means for NASCAR and Motorsports
Tony Stewart’s NASCAR return not only brings a past champion back into the spotlight but also injects heightened anticipation and competitive energy into the Craftsman Truck Series. His commitment to stepping into such a volatile environment underscores both his loyalty to key partners like Stellantis and his ongoing connection to the NASCAR fanbase. With Stewart’s racing heritage, the alignment with Dodge and Ram brands, and his family’s deep ties to motorsport, this move sets the stage for a season opener full of intrigue and stakes at Daytona.
The spotlight now turns to February 13, as Stewart takes his place among top drivers and attempts to once again make history in a landscape that has evolved since his last appearance. His return could have far-reaching implications, potentially drawing new attention to both the Truck Series and legacy manufacturers re-entering the sport, while demonstrating how personal motivations and business interests shape the highest levels of racing.
