Tony Stewart is set to make a surprising comeback to NASCAR by competing in a Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway next week. This unexpected decision even took his wife, Leah Pruett, by surprise. The three-time Cup Series champion plans to race for Kaulig Racing driving the No. 25 Ram truck in what will be a rare return to competitive NASCAR events.
Stewart officially stepped away from full-time racing after the 2016 Cup Series season, concluding his career with an impressive 49 Cup wins and championships in 2002, 2005, and 2011. Following health concerns, he transitioned from driving to a team ownership role with Stewart-Haas Racing until 2025, when the team was closed. Since then, he has focused on his drag racing career in the NHRA Top Fuel category.
How the Idea of Returning Took Root
Stewart recently spoke with reporter Peter Stratta and revealed how his idea to race again caught his own wife off guard. The initial conversation started when he spoke with Stellantis CEO Tim Kuniskis, who inquired if he would consider competing in a truck race. This news was met with disbelief by Leah Pruett, given their shared understanding of Stewart’s complicated history with NASCAR.
“I said, ‘Hey, I just talked to Tim and Tim asked me if I’d be interested in running a truck race.’ And her [Leah Pruett] eyes got really this big. She kind of knows the history of my relationship with NASCAR. But, she goes, ‘What’d you tell him?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I think I would be interested.’ And she looked at me like I had three heads. So it took a little bit of convincing to convince her,” Tony Stewart said (02:20 onwards).
Despite initial hesitation, Leah eventually came around to the idea as Stewart moved forward with plans for the upcoming race weekend at Daytona.
Strong Field Expected for Daytona Truck Series Opener
Stewart will join a competitive lineup in the season-opening Truck Series race alongside several notable drivers making their series debuts or returns. Cleetus McFarland is preparing for his first Truck Series start with Niece Motorsports, pending successful testing at Rockingham.
Veteran Cup drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Travis Pastrana will also debut in the Truck Series this Friday, driving for Niece Motorsports. Other experienced competitors such as John Hunter Nemechek, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, and former Cup driver Corey LaJoie will round out the star-studded field.
RAM Brand’s Return Creates Rare Opportunity for Drivers
RAM is making a significant return to NASCAR’s Truck Series after a prolonged absence by partnering with Kaulig Racing to field five RAM trucks this season. The brand’s ‘Free Agent Driver Program’ is designed to offer seasoned racers like Tony Stewart chances to compete in select races while sharing the No. 25 truck with four full-time drivers throughout the year.
Stewart discussed the significance of RAM’s comeback during his recent interview, emphasizing how programs like this provide unique chances for drivers who may not regularly compete in NASCAR.
“For Ram to make the commitment to come back in the Truck series. … The season starts at Daytona. So, hopefully it just brings some more attention to it. I think the program that you’ve created to have guys like myself give us an opportunity to come in and do a race or two if we want. That’s a unique opportunity that just isn’t out there for everybody,” Tony Stewart said (3:20 onwards).
This partnership fits well with Stewart’s ongoing relationship with Dodge in NHRA drag racing. His Tony Stewart Racing team recently extended a multi-year agreement to campaign Dodge//SRT Direct Connection cars in Top Fuel and Funny Car categories starting in 2025, leading to multiple victories and championships.
What Stewart’s Return Means for NASCAR and Fans
Tony Stewart’s return to NASCAR racing at a high-profile event like Daytona injects excitement and intrigue amid an already competitive Truck Series opener. His involvement draws additional attention to RAM’s reentry into the sport and highlights opportunities for veteran drivers to remain involved through innovative programs. For fans, Stewart’s comeback offers a hopeful glimpse of the sport blending its revered legends with emerging talent.
With Stewart participating alongside rising stars such as Cleetus McFarland, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Travis Pastrana, the upcoming race weekend promises intense competition and heightened interest. Stewart’s unexpected decision also underscores the ongoing connections many drivers maintain with NASCAR, even after years away from full-time competition.
As the season progresses, RAM’s program may encourage other former champions or experienced racers to seize occasional chances to race, enriching the competitive landscape and fan engagement in the Truck Series and beyond.
