Travis Pastrana is back on the track at the Daytona International Speedway, racing for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and sharing the spotlight with none other than Tony Stewart. Their Tony Stewart NASCAR memories, especially from the 2013 Xfinity Series, continue to shape Pastrana’s approach as he revisits the site of career-defining moments.
Pastrana’s Reunion with Stewart Rekindles Daytona Legacy
Returning after his 2023 efforts at Daytona, Pastrana is energized, competing once again before passionate fans. During a pre-race media session, his enthusiasm when discussing Tony Stewart was unmistakable. Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion, also makes his own comeback this season with Kaulig Racing, adding to the charged atmosphere. Pastrana’s admiration for Stewart was clear, especially as he recounted a message he’d received ahead of the big event.
“Dude, I got a text from Tony Stewart like two days ago, it was freaking fantastic.”
— Travis Pastrana, NASCAR Driver
A Daytona Drafting Tale: Lessons from a Champion
Pastrana painted a vivid picture of his first full season and debut race at Daytona in the Xfinity Series. In that race, Stewart was running part-time for Richard Childress Racing, slipping back in the order to evaluate his car’s performance. Meanwhile, Pastrana started strong in the No. 60 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, lining up with Trevor Bayne as his teammate.
As the laps unfolded, Pastrana was hanging back when Stewart had his spotter instruct Pastrana to tuck in behind him. Casey Kahne soon joined the formation, and the group surged as a trio towards a top-10 finish. Pastrana never forgot Stewart’s guiding role in that race, highlighting the sense of camaraderie and respect in the fiercely competitive environment. He reminisced about how things played out as the race barreled to its conclusion.
“I lost Tony, now he went on to win, and I went across the finish line backwards. But I was still a top 10 finish. He goes from the front drops to the back, has my spotter tell me to get on his bumper, and takes me all the way up to the front. It was freaking awesome. I hope he does it again.”
— Travis Pastrana, NASCAR Driver
Trackside Antics and the Enduring Influence of Stewart
Race weekend featured its lighter moments as well, with Cleetus McFarland and Pastrana sharing the stage in a lively press conference. The mood was jovial as McFarland playfully tore off Pastrana’s sleeves, but the conversation always circled back to what it means to be on track with Tony Stewart, especially at a venue like Daytona.
Pastrana’s Recommitment and Stewart’s Lasting Impact
The memories of that pivotal night at Daytona have continued to motivate Pastrana, who considers it the most enjoyable race he’s ever experienced. He credits Stewart’s selfless guidance with fueling his ongoing commitment to NASCAR. Since then, Pastrana has built a résumé spanning X Games, motocross, rally, and powerboat racing, but NASCAR remains a special draw for him. His recent finishes at Daytona — 13th in the Truck Series and 11th as a Cup driver in 2023 — reflect a driver who isn’t afraid to keep pushing his limits under the lights and among legends like Stewart.
As Pastrana sets off on yet another Daytona campaign, the echoes of his Tony Stewart NASCAR memories linger, serving as both motivation and testimony to the collaborative spirit that defines motorsport’s biggest stages. With each lap, new stories unfold, but the respect and lessons from racing alongside Stewart remain firmly in focus.
Cleetus McFarland and @TravisPastrana had an interesting press conference today.
McFarland ripped off Pastrana's sleeves, and they talked about sharing the track with @TonyStewart. pic.twitter.com/ojVjdXNIzq
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) February 13, 2026
