OFFICIAL CONFIRMED🛑!! Tony Stewart SHOCKS NASCAR with Daytona News!
Three-Time Cup Champion Announces Stunning Return to Competition in the 2026 Daytona 500 – Driving the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing in a One-Off Comeback That Leaves the Sport Speechless!
Tony Stewart – the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, and one of the most feared and respected drivers in the sport’s history – has just dropped the biggest bombshell of the 2026 pre-season: he is coming out of retirement to compete in the Daytona 500.
In an emotional press conference held at Daytona International Speedway this afternoon, Stewart confirmed he will strap back into the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for the Great American Race on February 16 – marking his first competitive start in the Cup Series since 2016 and his first Daytona 500 appearance in nearly a decade.
Stewart, now 54, did not hide the motivation behind the shock return:
“I’ve missed it. I’ve missed the rush, the competition, the feeling of being in the car when the green flag drops at Daytona. This isn’t about proving anything – it’s about one more lap with the guys who built this team, one more chance to feel what it’s like to race at the place that means the most. The Daytona 500 is where legends are made. I want one more shot.”
The announcement has sent the NASCAR world into a frenzy. Stewart last raced full-time in the Cup Series in 2016, stepping away to focus on team ownership and sprint car racing. Since then, he has made only occasional starts in non-points events. This one-off return marks the first time he has committed to the Daytona 500 since 2016 – the year he won his final Cup race at Sonoma.
The No. 14 car – long associated with Stewart during his driving days – will carry the iconic Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats / Mobil 1 livery that became synonymous with his championship runs. Crew chief Steve Addington, who worked with Stewart during his title years, will oversee the effort.
Reactions poured in immediately:
Kyle Busch (former teammate): “Smoke’s back? Hell yeah. Daytona just got a lot more interesting.” Denny Hamlin: “Tony in the 14 at Daytona? That’s going to be must-watch TV.” Kevin Harvick (retired rival): “If anyone can still wheel it at 54, it’s Tony. This is huge for the fans.” NASCAR President Steve Phelps: “Tony Stewart is one of the greatest competitors this sport has ever seen. His return to the Daytona 500 is a moment fans have dreamed about. We welcome him back with open arms.”
Stewart addressed questions about his age and the modern car:
“I know the cars are different. I know I’m not 30 anymore. But the heart doesn’t change. I’ve been in simulators, I’ve tested, I’ve talked to the guys. I’m not here to cruise – I’m here to race. If I can’t be competitive, I won’t be out there. Simple as that.”
The news has electrified ticket sales and viewership projections for the Daytona 500. Social media exploded with #SmokeIsBack and #TonyDaytona trending No. 1 globally. Fans are already calling it “the most anticipated Daytona 500 in years,” with many predicting Stewart could become the oldest driver to win the race since 1979.
With only days until practice begins, the 2026 Daytona 500 field now includes one of the most legendary names in NASCAR history – back in the seat where he made his name.
Tony Stewart isn’t just returning. He’s coming back to remind everyone why he was called Smoke.
And the Great American Race just became must-see television.
