In a stunning development that has electrified the NASCAR world, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. have officially joined forces to launch Stewart-Truex Racing, a new team poised to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in the 2026 season. The announcement, boldly declared as “DONE DEAL!” by Stewart himself, marks a dramatic return to team ownership for the fiery competitor known as “Smoke” following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing after the 2024 campaign.
Truex, who stepped away from full-time driving at the end of 2024 to pursue other interests including his aviation business, brings his championship pedigree and strategic insight to the partnership, creating what many are calling a powerhouse alliance built on shared experience, mutual respect, and a hunger to reclaim glory.
The news broke amid a flurry of social media posts and insider reports circulating in late 2025 and early 2026, with Stewart confirming the venture in interviews and online statements. “We’re not just starting a team; we’re building something that’s going to shake things up,” Stewart reportedly said. “Martin and I have been through the wars, won titles, and know what it takes. NASCAR needs more fire, more competition, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.
It’s a done deal, and we’re hitting the ground running for 2026.” Truex echoed the sentiment, emphasizing their combined knowledge of car setups, driver management, and the evolving demands of the sport under the Next Gen car era.
Stewart-Truex Racing is expected to field at least two full-time entries in the Cup Series from the outset, with ambitions to expand into the Xfinity Series and possibly the Craftsman Truck Series in future years. The team will leverage a blend of veteran engineering talent and fresh perspectives to challenge the established giants like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske. While manufacturer affiliation and primary sponsors remain under wraps in initial disclosures, speculation points to potential ties with Chevrolet or Ford, given Stewart’s history and Truex’s long Toyota tenure.
The partnership draws on their deep connections across the industry, including Stewart’s ongoing involvement in dirt racing through Tony Stewart Racing and Truex’s post-retirement ventures.
This move comes at a pivotal time for NASCAR. The 2026 season introduces several significant changes, including the return of the Chase-style playoff format, bonus points for the fastest lap in races, higher horsepower packages, and the reintroduction of Ram trucks in the Craftsman series. Stewart himself is making a one-off return behind the wheel, competing in the Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2026 for Kaulig Racing in the No. 25 RAM entry.
Dubbed a “free agent truck” program, the appearance marks his first national series start since 2016 and adds another layer of excitement to the year ahead. Truex, meanwhile, has stayed out of the cockpit full-time but his influence as co-owner could prove instrumental in driver recruitment and team culture.
The formation of Stewart-Truex Racing revives memories of Stewart’s successful run with Stewart-Haas Racing, which produced multiple championships and dozens of wins before financial pressures led to its shutdown. Stewart’s ownership style—hands-on, passionate, and occasionally combustible—has always drawn attention, and pairing it with Truex’s calm, methodical approach could create a balanced dynamic. Truex’s 2017 title came during a dominant season with Furniture Row Racing and later Joe Gibbs Racing, where he amassed 34 Cup wins overall.
His decision to retire after 2024 allowed him time to reflect and recharge, but the opportunity to partner with Stewart proved too compelling to pass up.
Industry insiders suggest the team is already assembling a competitive infrastructure, including shop facilities in the Charlotte area and key personnel poached from top organizations. The announcement has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts about its potential impact. Some view it as a much-needed injection of star power and competition into a sport that has seen consolidation among the big four teams. Others question the timing, noting the high costs of Cup Series competition and the challenges new teams face in securing charters, sponsorships, and performance parity.
Yet the pedigree of the two principals—both former champions with deep racing IQ—lends credibility to the project.
Stewart’s return to ownership underscores his enduring love for NASCAR despite past frustrations with its direction. He has remained active in motorsports through dirt track racing and his NHRA involvement, but stock car racing clearly still pulls at him. Truex, who quietly built one of the most consistent careers of his generation, brings a level-headed perspective that could temper Stewart’s intensity while fueling ambition. Together, they represent a mix of aggression and precision that could translate to on-track success.
As preparations ramp up for the 2026 Daytona 500 and beyond, all eyes will be on Stewart-Truex Racing. Driver lineups remain a key mystery, with rumors swirling about potential signings of rising stars or veteran free agents looking for new opportunities. The team’s debut will test their ability to hit the ground running in an era of heightened scrutiny on performance, costs, and entertainment value.
This partnership isn’t just about forming another team; it’s about challenging the status quo and reigniting the passion that has defined NASCAR’s greatest eras. With two champions at the helm, Stewart-Truex Racing has the potential to alter the competitive landscape, create compelling storylines, and deliver the kind of racing fans crave. The “DONE DEAL” declaration from Stewart signals confidence and finality—now the real work begins on the track, where results will ultimately define this bold new chapter in NASCAR history
