In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, three-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart is making a stunning return to competitive stock car racing. On January 13, 2026, Kaulig Racing announced that Stewart, known affectionately as “Smoke,” will climb behind the wheel of the No. 25 Ram Trucks entry for the season-opening race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway on February 13.

This marks Stewart’s first NASCAR start since his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition in 2016, ending a nearly decade-long absence from the sport’s premier stock car circuits.

The announcement came as part of Kaulig Racing’s ambitious expansion into the Truck Series, where the team is partnering with Ram Trucks—under the Stellantis umbrella—to field up to five entries for the 2026 season. Stewart will serve as the inaugural driver in the team’s innovative “Free Agent Driver Program,” a rotation designed to bring in high-profile talent for select events and generate excitement around the series. Full-time drivers for Kaulig include Daniel Dye in the No. 10, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen in the No. 12, and Justin Haley in the No. 16, with the No.

14 reserved for the winner of the “Race for the Seat” reality TV competition. The No. 25, however, is positioned as the spotlight truck, and few names could draw more attention than Stewart’s.

Stewart’s career in NASCAR is legendary. Born in Columbus, Indiana, in 1971, he burst onto the scene in the late 1990s, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1999 and quickly establishing himself as one of the most aggressive and talented drivers of his generation. Over the next two decades, he amassed 49 Cup Series victories, three championships (2002, 2005, and 2011), and countless memorable moments, from his dramatic battles at short tracks to his mastery of superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega.

His fiery personality and no-nonsense approach earned him a massive fan following, even as it occasionally led to on-track controversies. After retiring from Cup racing to focus on team ownership with Stewart-Haas Racing and his pursuits in other motorsports, including sprint cars and dirt racing, many assumed his days in NASCAR stock cars were over.

Yet Stewart has never truly left the racing world. He has continued to compete at the highest levels in other disciplines, most notably in NHRA drag racing, where he pilots a Dodge-powered Top Alcohol Dragster and has secured multiple wins and championships in recent years. His deep ties to the Dodge/Ram family made the partnership with Kaulig and Ram a natural fit.

Ram’s entry into the Craftsman Truck Series for 2026 represents a major push by Stellantis to reestablish its presence in NASCAR, and enlisting a icon like Stewart for the debut race at Daytona was a masterstroke in terms of marketing and fan engagement. As Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands for Stellantis, noted in the announcement, bringing Stewart aboard as the first Free Agent driver is about creating “crazy excitement” and showcasing the new Ram trucks in the best possible light.

The race itself, the Fresh From Florida 250, serves as the Truck Series opener and takes place under the lights at Daytona, just two nights before the prestigious Daytona 500. For Stewart, returning to the 2.5-mile superspeedway holds special significance. He has a strong history there, with multiple wins and poles across his career, including triumphs in both the Daytona 500 and Truck Series events earlier in his career (his last Truck start came in 2005, where he finished second at Dover). At 54 years old, Stewart is no stranger to high-stakes racing, but this one-off appearance carries added weight.

It’s not just a comeback—it’s a bridge between eras, reminding fans of the raw talent that defined NASCAR in the 2000s while introducing newer audiences to one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Reactions to the news have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans, media, and fellow drivers expressing surprise and delight. Social media erupted with excitement, as clips of Stewart’s past Daytona battles resurfaced and speculation swirled about his potential performance. Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice called it “a big deal for the sport,” emphasizing how Stewart’s star power elevates the Truck Series and the entire Speedweeks lineup. Even those who doubted a return was possible have acknowledged the appeal: Stewart in a Ram truck, at Daytona, kicking off the season—what could be more electrifying?

Of course, questions remain. How will Stewart adapt to the modern Truck Series machines, which differ significantly from the Cup cars he last raced? The superspeedway draft and pack racing demand precision and teamwork, areas where experience matters but rust could play a factor after years away. Stewart has downplayed any expectations of contending for the win, framing the opportunity as a fun chance to race again with friends in the garage and give fans a thrill. Yet those who know him best understand that “Smoke” rarely shows up without the competitive fire burning.

Whether he runs up front, wrecks out in a big pile-up, or simply enjoys the ride, his presence alone guarantees added drama and viewership for the February 13 event.

This return also underscores broader trends in NASCAR. With the sport emphasizing entertainment, legacy drivers, and cross-promotional opportunities, one-off appearances by icons like Stewart help bridge generational gaps and keep the spotlight on the product. Ram’s involvement signals renewed manufacturer commitment, while Kaulig’s creative approach with free agents could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. For Stewart personally, it’s a chance to close a chapter on his own terms—racing for the love of it, in front of the massive Daytona crowd, without the pressures of a full season.

As February approaches, anticipation builds. Tickets for Speedweeks are selling briskly, and conversations about Stewart dominate NASCAR forums and broadcasts. The three-time champion who once dominated the sport is back, if only for one night, and the racing world is buzzing. Tony Stewart’s Daytona surprise isn’t just news—it’s a reminder of why NASCAR remains one of the most passionate sports on the planet. Fans can’t wait to see what “Smoke” has left in the tank.