After stepping away from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2016 season, Tony Stewart made a highly anticipated return to Daytona International Speedway by entering the NASCAR Truck Series race this week. Stewart is piloting the Ram No. 25 truck for Kaulig Racing, marking his first on-track appearance at Daytona in several years. This comeback highlights Stewart’s eagerness to reconnect with racing at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.
Stewart’s Impressions During Practice Sessions at Daytona
During the initial practice rounds, Stewart was visibly excited to be behind the wheel again. Speaking to Fox Sports after driving, he shared insights about adjusting to the differences in the vehicle and track conditions.
“I still need to make some more laps,”
Stewart said, emphasizing the ongoing process of reacquainting himself with the trucks.
He noted several technical details requiring attention, stating,
“I wish we had another hour where we could get some drafting practice. Just little things here and there. The steering box ratio is different than I thought it would be. I’m going to have to move my mirror around. We thought we’re going to have to move some numbers on the dash.”
Stewart reflected on how subtle adjustments are critical to performance in racing, adding,
“It’s just little stuff that when you drive these things you get it sorted out pretty quick. Just trying to do it in 50 minutes. You can do it at the shop all you want but until you get on the racetrack, you don’t really know what you’ve got.”
The thrill of returning shone through as Stewart admitted,
“But, it’s cool. Not going to lie, it was fun to get back out there. Even by myself, it was really cool to be out there.”
He also made a lighthearted reference to his online racing community, commenting,
“I was thinking about my iRacing guys. Hold my hands really still, even though we didn’t really do a full blown qualifying run.”
Stewart observed changes in NASCAR’s technology and vehicle dynamics since his last races, stating,
“I’m excited about it. They definitely drive different than I thought. Technology’s changed so much in the NASCAR rules. Watching Cup qualifying last night and how bad they bounced around. I mean the trucks do too. I don’t think they’re as bad as the Cup cars. But it’s definitely different than what I remember the last time I was here.”
Behind the Scenes Challenges and Nostalgia in the Daytona Garage
Despite the excitement, Stewart faced some logistical quirks during practice. He was asked to park behind the NASCAR hauler, which initially made him believe he had been reprimanded.
“They go, ‘We want you to park behind the NASCAR hauler.’ I thought, ‘We’ve been in this thing about 35-40 minutes, I already got in trouble,’”
Stewart recounted.
The unconventional setup at Daytona became clear when Stewart noted,
“No. The garage area here is not a garage area. This whole entire Truck Series is in a parking lot at Daytona. When I got called to the truck I thought, ‘Man, that didn’t take long. It’s like old times again.’”
Despite the chaotic environment, he found the experience enjoyable, saying,
“But no, the atmosphere is really cool. It’s a lot of fun to be back here.”
Upcoming Race and Anticipated Impact of Stewart’s Return
The NASCAR Truck Series race at Daytona is set to begin tomorrow, with anticipation high for Stewart’s performance. His return not only reignites excitement among fans but also brings an experienced and passionate driver back to one of racing’s toughest circuits. Stewart’s ability to adapt quickly during practice suggests he intends to be competitive despite time away from full-time racing. This comeback could influence the dynamics of the event and add an extra layer of drama to the Daytona weekend.
