Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and renowned team owner, clarified that rumors of his returning to the Daytona 500 are unfounded as he readies his participation in the Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway. Stewart shared these comments in an interview, emphasizing his focus on the Truck Series event with Kaulig Racing and the RAM alliance instead of attempting a comeback in the marquee Daytona 500.
In January 2026, Stewart officially announced his decision to rejoin stock car racing competition, piloting the #25 RAM-powered truck for the North Carolina-based team during the 100-lap Truck Series race as part of a special agent program. Despite not capturing a Daytona 500 victory in his career, Stewart reiterated that a Cup Series return is not in his plans.
Stewart Firmly Prioritizes the Truck Series Over the Daytona 500
Speaking to the media before the event, Stewart made his stance unmistakably clear:
“We can lead every lap tomorrow night, and I will not be back here for the Daytona 500. I’m pretty good after all these years of saying never. You will not see me here for the Daytona 500.”
— Tony Stewart, NASCAR Champion
Continuing his direct approach, Stewart explained his priorities lie elsewhere:
“It’s the one that makes you money and puts money in your pocket. It’s the thing I don’t give two shits about over here. All I care about is doing what I can to get in that truck to get myself in the best position to win the race,”
he concluded. — Tony Stewart, NASCAR Champion
Alongside these comments, Stewart gave a stern message to younger drivers, indicating he would respond forcefully if confronted with reckless maneuvers on the track. He has also been rigorously preparing for his competitive return, using iRacing as a training tool in the lead-up to the event.
Preparing for a High-Profile Comeback in the Truck Series
In the weeks leading up to the Daytona Truck Series race, Stewart candidly revealed the extent of his preparation. Sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter), he demonstrated his use of a personal iRacing simulator, citing his long hiatus from stock car racing as motivation for increased practice. Stewart indicated that it has been close to a decade since he competed in a stock car series, reinforcing the significance of his return.
Stewart last competed in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2016, and his previous Truck Series appearance dated back to 2005. He reflected on the time passed and summed up his situation on social media:
“It’s been 10 years since I’ve ran @DAYTONA, and I’ve never done it in a truck. Safe to say, I needed some practice. Thanks to @iRacing, I can do just that. Head over to my YouTube channel and go behind the scenes with me and my spotter, TJ Bell, as we prepare for my upcoming return to @NASCAR with @RamTrucks and @KauligRacing!”
— Tony Stewart, NASCAR Champion
Stewart’s Truck Series Experience and His Legacy
Over his five-year engagement with the NASCAR Truck Series, Stewart entered six races, notably securing two victories at Richmond Raceway in 2002 and 2003 while driving for Andy Petree Racing. In addition to his wins, he achieved five top-ten finishes, adding to his reputation as a significant competitor throughout his NASCAR career. His return with Kaulig Racing, supported by RAM, will mark a notable moment for both fans and the Truck Series circuit.
As Tony Stewart underlines the finality of his Daytona 500 decision and harbors a competitive spirit for his upcoming Truck Series race, his focus on personal achievement and mentorship for younger drivers takes center stage. With his legacy already firmly established in both the Cup Series and Truck Series, Stewart’s return signals not just nostalgia, but an opportunity to witness a champion’s resilience and passion for stock car racing at Daytona once again.
