For the first time in a decade, Tony Stewart is making a highly anticipated return to NASCAR, taking part in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night. This Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback has stirred excitement and curiosity among fans, as well as special significance for his family since it marks his first race in the series since his retirement.
Support and Skepticism Greet Stewart’s Racing Return
Stewart, well-known for his successful career and Hall of Fame status, is back on the grid behind the wheel of the No. 25 Dodge Ram for Kaulig Racing. This comeback is notable, not just for Stewart’s return but also for Dodge’s re-entry into NASCAR via Kaulig Racing. Since stepping away from full-time NASCAR driving and ownership roles, Stewart has shifted his competitive energy to the NHRA, where he drives in the Top Fuel class with Dodge support.
Reactions have ranged from encouragement to disbelief. As Stewart revealed during a media briefing on February 12, his announcement prompted friends, teammates, and family to rally around him, but others expressed concern about his decision to return to NASCAR at this stage in his career.
“The No.1 question I’ve gotten from people on the NASCAR side is asking if I’ve lost mind,”
Stewart said, addressing the public speculation.
“I’m like, yeah I have as you know. It’s just been fun to see those guys and catch up with them. It’s been fun to spend time with those guys before everything gets really busy here”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
Stewart shared that his circle from drag racing has shown overwhelming enthusiasm for his journey back to stock car racing. He noted their newfound interest in NASCAR because of his participation this weekend.
“They basically told me they’ve never seen a Truck race before, but they’re going to watch this one.”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
Relying on Sim Racing and Old Friends for Preparation
Though Stewart last participated in a NASCAR Truck Series race in 2005 and made his final Cup Series start in 2016, he never fully stepped away from motorsport. After retiring as a driver, he stayed on as an owner with Stewart Haas Racing until its closure in 2024, at which point he devoted himself to drag racing.
To get ready for his competitive return, Stewart turned to iRacing, a popular virtual simulation platform for motorsports drivers. Late-night simulator sessions became an integral part of his training, allowing him to re-familiarize himself with the trucks and tracks he will face in Daytona.
“I have a bunch of friends on our iRacing team we race with on nights I can get on the simulator,”
Stewart mentioned, highlighting the supportive role of his virtual racing community in his comeback efforts.
“I don’t know if they put two and two together when I suggested we start doing some Truck races. We started doing that instead of running some of the dirt races we normally run.”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
Once word of his return became public, Stewart’s online racing friends fully committed to helping him prepare. They focused their simulation sessions on tracks like Daytona, working together to ensure Stewart felt prepared for Friday’s event.
“I literally have to thank that group of iRacers because from the moment we announced I was doing this, they were all in on Truck races at Daytona. They were all in on doing anything they could to help me get laps in and get ready for this race.”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
A Special NASCAR Moment for Stewart’s Family
This Daytona race is also a landmark event for Stewart’s family. Since he married accomplished NHRA Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett in November 2021 and welcomed their son Dominic just last year, neither has seen him race in NASCAR competition. This weekend will be the first time his wife and young son watch him compete in a series central to his legacy, blending personal joy with professional challenge on a significant stage.
“She’s been very support of this effort,”
Stewart remarked about his wife’s backing throughout his preparations.
“Leah has been with Dodge longer I have and she has a fantastic relationship with him. To understand why we’re down here doing this with Dodge and Ram, she knows how important that is to all of us.”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
Leah Pruett’s connection to Dodge doesn’t just enhance her support; it also solidifies the family’s shared commitment to the brand and Stewart’s comeback. For Stewart, having his family present is a cherished milestone in his career.
“It’s literally the first opportunity she’s had to come to a NASCAR event and watch me drive. The cherry on top is we get to have Dominic here, too. We get a two-for-one deal having my family here.”
– Tony Stewart, Champion and Hall of Fame driver.
The Stewart family, friends, drag racing colleagues, and a wider audience will be able to follow his progress during practice on Thursday, February 11, and the race events on Friday, February 12. The race will be televised on FS1-TV, with additional coverage available through MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
What the Comeback Means for Tony Stewart and NASCAR
Tony Stewart’s return reflects both a personal journey and a special moment for fans and the sport at large. The Tony Stewart NASCAR comeback showcases his lasting passion for motorsport and willingness to take risks even after a decorated career. Stewart’s involvement also highlights the significance of Dodge’s renewed presence in NASCAR, signaling potential new partnerships and interest within the racing community.
With excitement from both his loyal supporters and the drag racing world, all eyes will be on Stewart as he tests his skills once more in front of longtime fans and, for the first time, his own family. The impact of his return will likely energize the Craftsman Truck Series and reconnect old and new fans with one of NASCAR’s most celebrated personalities.
