Tony Stewart‘s potential return to NASCAR had sparked growing interest among fans, especially following the 2024 closure of Stewart-Haas Racing and his subsequent step away from the sport. However, with Tony Stewart NASCAR return speculation building throughout the 2025 season, recent developments have clarified his involvement and the immediate plans for Kaulig Racing‘s Truck Series lineup.
Kaulig Racing’s New Direction and Stewart’s Role
In late 2025, Kaulig Racing revealed an ambitious five-truck campaign with Ram Trucks, reintroducing the manufacturer to the Craftsman Truck Series after more than a decade away. This expansion came at the cost of pausing their O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program, which had been successful for ten seasons, all in an effort to concentrate on their new Truck Series initiative.
Amid these changes, Matt Kaulig’s team announced that one of the five trucks would serve as a Free Agent Program, designed to offer competitive opportunities to select drivers. Initial rumors connected Tony Stewart with the role, and although Stewart did not immediately confirm his plans, it was later announced he would drive the No. 25 Ram for the Daytona International Speedway season opener. Stewart, known as “Smoke,” had not participated in a major NASCAR race since his retirement from the Cup Series in 2016, nor had he entered a Truck Series event since 2005, when he also piloted a Ram. His most recent Truck Series outing was cut short by a crash, but he hinted at the possibility of future participation.
Despite the growing anticipation, Stewart will not be at the wheel for the upcoming Atlanta race, leaving fans to await his official competitive return to the NASCAR circuit.
Ty Dillon Named to Drive at EchoPark Speedway
Instead, Kaulig Racing has selected Ty Dillon, their regular Cup Series competitor, to drive the No. 25 Ram at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) for this weekend’s race. Dillon comes with substantial Truck Series experience, having last raced in the series for Rackley W.A.R. in 2024, where he competed full-time for the season outside the final five races.
In addition to his recent activity, Dillon boasts a strong Truck Series record, marked by three race victories secured during his two complete seasons with Richard Childress Racing in 2012 and 2013. Dillon’s veteran presence is expected to provide stability for Kaulig Racing’s ambitious new operation at Atlanta.
Driver Lineup and Future Races
Looking beyond the Atlanta race, only one additional driver assignment for the No. 25 Ram is confirmed for the remainder of the season—Carson Ferguson, who is set to compete during the penultimate race at Martinsville Speedway in late October. Ferguson was one of fifteen competitors in the “Ram: Race for the Seat” contest, a program run to select the team’s fourth full-time driver. While Mini Tyrell ultimately triumphed in that competition and now races full-time alongside Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, and Justin Haley, Ferguson’s scheduled appearance at Martinsville adds another name to Kaulig Racing’s growing roster of drivers.
Saturday’s Fr8 208 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta will broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET, providing NASCAR fans with their next look at Kaulig Racing’s revitalized Truck Series program and marking the latest chapter in the evolving story of the team and drivers such as Tony Stewart and Ty Dillon.
What Lies Ahead for Stewart and Kaulig Racing
The confirmation of Ty Dillon as Stewart’s temporary replacement underlines Kaulig Racing’s commitment to featuring experienced competitors while maximizing exposure for new talent. With Tony Stewart’s future participation still possible and no official timeline for his next Truck Series race, fans and industry observers will continue monitoring how the team manages its driver rotation. Stewart’s enduring presence in NASCAR lore heightens interest in each development, suggesting that both the driver and the team remain pivotal figures to watch through the 2025 season and beyond.
