In the high-octane world of American motorsports, few names carry the weight and legacy of Tony Stewart. Known as “Smoke” for his aggressive driving style and fiery personality, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has spent decades dominating tracks, building teams, and pushing boundaries across multiple disciplines. Recently, a bombshell announcement has sent shockwaves through the racing community: Stewart is making a stunning return to NASCAR competition in 2026, behind the wheel of a Ram truck for Kaulig Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

This move not only revives one of the sport’s most iconic figures but also underscores Ram’s aggressive comeback to NASCAR, marking a pivotal shift that could reshape fan engagement, manufacturer involvement, and the competitive landscape for years to come.

Stewart’s last full-time NASCAR appearance came in 2016, when he retired from Cup Series racing after a storied career with Stewart-Haas Racing. Since then, he has diversified his passions, taking on ownership roles, sprint car ventures through Tony Stewart Racing, and most notably, a successful transition to NHRA Top Fuel drag racing. In 2025, he claimed the regular-season championship in Top Fuel, proving that his competitive fire still burns bright even at age 54.

His wife, Leah Pruett, a 12-time NHRA winner, returned to the cockpit in 2026 after a family hiatus, which shifted Stewart’s drag racing path to a new alliance with Elite Motorsports. Yet, amid these achievements, whispers of a NASCAR comeback had circulated, fueled by Stewart’s enduring popularity and his deep ties to the sport he helped define.

The official reveal came on January 13, 2026, when Kaulig Racing named Stewart as the inaugural driver in their innovative “Free Agent Driver Program” for the No. 25 Ram truck. This program, designed to rotate high-profile or emerging talents into the seat throughout the season, kicks off with Stewart at the historic Daytona opener on February 13. Ram, under the Stellantis umbrella, is returning to NASCAR in a big way by fielding five full-time Craftsman Truck Series entries with Kaulig as the anchor team.

The move revives a brand that last competed prominently in the Truck Series years ago, now rebranded as Ram 1500 trucks with modern engineering and bold marketing ambitions.

Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis, described the partnership as a way to “rewrite the playbook.” He emphasized that enlisting Stewart as the first free agent would generate “crazy amount of excitement,” allowing fans to see a legendary driver back in action—this time in a truck rather than a stock car. Matt Kaulig, the team’s founder and owner, echoed this enthusiasm, calling Stewart a legend whose name alone injects energy into the sport.

“We couldn’t be more fired up to have him in our camp as we roll into Daytona for our first race,” Kaulig said. “This is going to be a ride worth watching.”

For Stewart, the opportunity is deeply personal and symbolic. Daytona has been a venue of triumph throughout his career, with multiple Cup wins, Clash victories, and Duel successes. He has raced nearly everything with four wheels at the iconic superspeedway—except a truck until now. “I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,” Stewart remarked in the team release.

“So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.” The deal also leverages Stewart’s existing relationship with Dodge through his NHRA efforts, creating a seamless bridge between his current drag racing commitments and this NASCAR revival.

This announcement arrives at a transformative moment for NASCAR. The sport recently reinstated the Chase playoff format for 2026 and beyond, harkening back to the system under which Stewart won two of his three championships. Meanwhile, manufacturer dynamics are shifting, with Ram’s entry adding fresh competition alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Kaulig Racing, previously focused on Cup and Xfinity programs, now expands aggressively into the Truck Series, fielding drivers like Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley full-time, with the free agent seat and a “Race For The Seat” reality competition rounding out the lineup.

Stewart’s participation is more than a nostalgic cameo; it highlights NASCAR’s evolving strategy to blend legacy stars with innovative formats. The Free Agent Program promises weekly announcements, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive fan experiences, and new Ram truck reveals, aiming to boost visibility and excitement. Fans have already reacted with overwhelming positivity, flooding social media with memories of Stewart’s battles and anticipation for his truck debut.

His Hall of Fame credentials—NASCAR in 2020 and National Sprint Car in 2022—only amplify the hype, reminding everyone of his unmatched versatility as the only driver to win all three USAC National championships in one year (1995), an IndyCar title (1997), and multiple NASCAR crowns.

Beyond the immediate thrill, this development could have lasting implications. Stewart’s involvement may draw new eyes to the Truck Series, elevate Ram’s brand in the racing world, and inspire other retired legends to consider limited returns. It also bridges Stewart’s diverse racing portfolio, from dirt tracks and drag strips to superspeedways, reinforcing his status as one of motorsports’ most complete figures. As preparations ramp up—Stewart has already been fitted for the seat—the countdown to Daytona begins.

In an era where racing constantly seeks ways to stay relevant and thrilling, Tony Stewart’s 2026 return stands as a bold statement. It proves that true icons never fully fade; they evolve, adapt, and roar back stronger. For fans who grew up watching Smoke battle for wins, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reminder of why motorsports endures. The green flag at Daytona will drop on more than a race; it will launch a new chapter that promises speed, spectacle, and the unmistakable sound of a legend hitting the throttle once again.

The sport, and its faithful followers, are ready for the smoke to rise anew