Tony Stewart is set to make a return to NASCAR by competing in Friday’s Truck Series race at Daytona, marking his first start in the series since 2005. Joey Logano, who battled Stewart for years in the Cup Series before Stewart retired in 2016, has issued a warning that Stewart will face a much different level of competition than he remembers. This race will be Stewart’s eighth career appearance in the Truck Series, taking place amid a highly competitive and star-studded lineup.
Joey Logano Notes the Changes in NASCAR’s Intensity
Reflecting on Stewart’s return, Logano highlighted how significantly the sport has evolved since Stewart last competed. Speaking at Daytona 500 Media Day, Logano said,
“He’s gonna realize how much the world has changed since he was here last.”
He explained that the style of racing has become markedly more aggressive and the maneuvers on the track have transformed over time. Logano’s insights reveal that simply stepping back into a NASCAR vehicle after a long absence requires adjustment to a faster, more intense environment.
Chase Briscoe Eager to See Stewart Back in Action
Chase Briscoe, who grew up admiring Stewart, expressed great enthusiasm about Stewart’s comeback. Briscoe shared that Stewart’s dedication to the return is evident, based on conversations they had before the public announcement.
“He’s asking me all these questions, and I think he’s more nervous than he’s letting off,”
Briscoe said, remarking on Stewart’s concerns about not having practice runs in the draft and performing qualifying laps alone.
Briscoe also pointed out the level of competition in the Truck Series field at Daytona this year.
“And that field is like stacked. It’s probably the toughest Truck Series field we’ve had in Daytona in a long time. So, it’ll be fun to see kind of where he picks up.”
When reflecting on offering advice to a legend like Stewart, Briscoe admitted,
“It was a little. I gave him a little bit, but in the back of my mind, I’m thinking like, ‘why are you asking me? Like, you’re in the Hall of Fame, not me.’ But no, it was cool. I mean, everybody knows he’s my hero, right? Just the fact that, he was even asking, just questions of what the trucks drive like and things. It was neat.”
Anticipation Builds Around One of NASCAR’s Biggest Stories
Logano remains intrigued to see how Stewart adjusts to today’s NASCAR, expressing excitement from his position in the broadcast booth.
“I’m interested to see what he thinks. I’m excited to watch him. I think it’s a huge story. I’m up in the booth for it, so I’m excited to watch it.”
As Stewart faces a dramatically changed racing environment, fans and drivers alike are watching closely to witness how one of NASCAR’s iconic figures manages a challenging return to competitive racing.
