In an exciting turn of events, Tony Stewart is set to make his long-awaited return to NASCAR, driving for Kaulig Racing in the debut of Ram Trucks at the upcoming season opener at Daytona International Raceway next month. This moment marks Stewart's first competitive appearance in NASCAR since 2016, and it's generating a lot of buzz in the racing community.
Stewart is no stranger to success on the racetrack; he is a three-time NASCAR champion and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. His last experience racing with trucks at the national level occurred back in 2005, and he currently participates in the NHRA drag racing series where he drives for Dodge. The opportunity to race for Kaulig as they reintroduce Ram trucks into the NASCAR fold was simply too good to pass up.
"I've had the chance to race nearly every type of vehicle with four wheels at Daytona, but this will be my first time behind the wheel of a truck," Stewart shared in an interview. "When the opportunity arose to race the new Ram in its inaugural event back in NASCAR, I jumped at it without a second thought."
As part of Ram's innovative "free agent program," Stewart's involvement aims to showcase both seasoned drivers and emerging talent to a broader audience. Throughout the 2026 season, Ram plans to enter five trucks into competition, which includes full-time seats for drivers Brenden "Butterbean" Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley. Additionally, there will be a unique reality show competition called "Race For The Seat," designed to determine a fourth full-time driver alongside a seat reserved for a free agent.
Tim Kuniskis, the head of Stellantis's American brands, expressed enthusiasm about Stewart's return, stating, "We’re not merely stepping back onto the racetrack; we are redefining the narrative. Bringing Tony aboard as our first Free Agent is sure to create tremendous excitement. This initiative allows fans to witness an all-time favorite driver make his comeback, this time in a Ram truck. It’s about celebrating a legacy. Tony embodies determination, grit, and the very essence of racing – the thrill that fans crave."
Notably, Stewart achieved a remarkable feat in 1995 by becoming the first and only driver to clinch all three USAC National championships—Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown—in a single year. He also claimed the IndyCar championship in 1997 and secured NASCAR titles in 2005, 2008, and 2011. In his Truck Series career, he participated in six races, winning two, with his final victory recorded in 2003.
Matt Kaulig, the owner of Kaulig Racing, couldn't hide his excitement: "Having a legend like Tony Stewart behind the wheel of one of our Ram trucks is truly a dream come true. Just his name alone brings a tremendous energy to the sport. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him as we head into Daytona for our first race. This is going to be a thrilling experience for everyone involved."
Kaulig Racing is not just making waves with this announcement; they are also the primary factory team backing Ram's return to NASCAR for the 2026 season. Since its establishment in 2016, Kaulig Racing has participated in over 700 races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, achieving two regular-season championships and a total of 27 victories. They began competing part-time in the Cup Series in 2021, moving to a full-time two-car team in 2022, and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Remarkably, they have already secured two wins since their debut in the Cup Series.
