Tony Stewart Returns: "Smoke" Back for Daytona Truck Series Opener

The rumor mill can finally stop churning now that Tony Stewart, one of NASCAR’s most legendary figures, has confirmed he is suiting up for the Craftsman Truck Series opener at Daytona. It’s a move that brings a three-time Cup Series champion back to national competition and has fans wondering how the veteran will stack up against the current grid.

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip. Stewart’s return collides with several massive shifts in the sport: a manufacturer re-entering the fray, teams testing out “free-agent” concepts, and the constant push to keep driver lineups dynamic.

Stewart, a Hall of Famer who has remained influential even out of the cockpit, naturally sparks conversation. But the real draw here is seeing “Smoke” back at Daytona, a track that consistently generates the year’s biggest headlines.

What Happened

Tony Stewart is set to pilot the No. 25 Ram for Kaulig Racing during the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. The news broke through team channels and media reports, identifying Stewart as the inaugural driver in Kaulig’s ambitious new rotating driver program.

The Event

At 54, Stewart hasn’t contested a NASCAR national series race since stepping away in 2016. Despite the nine-year gap, he jumped at the offer. His logic was straightforward: he had raced just about every machine imaginable at Daytona, except for a truck. This race also serves as the launchpad for Ram’s official return to NASCAR competition, making Stewart’s role pivotal for the manufacturer.

Key People Involved

Tony Stewart: Three‑time Cup champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer

Kaulig Racing: The team fielding five Truck Series entries for the 2026 season

Ram Trucks: The returning manufacturer partnering with Kaulig

Daniel Dye, Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Justin Haley: Fellow drivers in the Kaulig Truck Series stable

Free‑Agent Program Participants: The roster of rotating drivers who will take over the No. 25 later in the season

Timeline of Events

Announcement Day: Kaulig Racing officially names Stewart as the first driver for their free-agent seat.

February 13: Stewart takes the green flag at the Daytona Truck Series opener.

2026 Season: The No. 25 truck will feature a revolving door of talent as the free-agent initiative continues.

Background

Stewart’s resume is one of the deepest in racing history. He secured Cup Series titles in 2002, 2005, and 2011, tallying 49 wins along the way. While his Truck Series tenure is brief, only six starts between 1996 and 2005, he made them count, securing two victories and five top‑10 finishes.

Recent History

Since hanging up his helmet in NASCAR, Stewart has poured his energy into NHRA drag racing, team ownership, and other motorsport business ventures. Seeing him back on track in a stock car or truck environment is a rarity for the driver who has spent the last decade primarily in leadership roles.

Earlier Developments

Kaulig Racing has been on an aggressive growth path across all three top national series. Their new free-agent program aims to capitalize on this by cycling high-profile stars and up-and-comers through their equipment, maximizing both media exposure and on-track performance.

Official Statements & Responses

Official Response
Stewart didn’t mince words in the press release: “I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. When a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.” He noted that this program offers a unique way for him to stay sharp while enjoying the sport from a fresh perspective.

Expert Insights
Industry analysts point out that Stewart’s name on the entry list immediately raises the profile of the Craftsman Truck Series opener. It also serves as a strong vote of confidence in Ram’s re-entry strategy and Kaulig’s long-term vision.

Public Reaction
The fan base largely reacted with enthusiasm. For many, Stewart’s return is the headline event of Speedweeks. Others are simply curious to see if the Hall of Famer still has the raw speed to contend after such a long hiatus from this style of racing.

Impact & What It Means

Immediate Impact

Massive spike in attention for the Truck Series opener.
Instant visibility boost for Kaulig Racing and the Ram brand.
Ramped-up anticipation for Daytona Speedweeks overall.

Broader Implications

Stewart’s willingness to race might convince other retired legends to attempt one-off starts.
Ram’s comeback could shake up the manufacturer hierarchy in the Truck Series.
If successful, Kaulig’s free-agent model could become a blueprint for teams wanting more roster flexibility.

Related Developments

Ram re-entering NASCAR signals a major shift in manufacturer support.
Kaulig Racing continues to scale its operations across Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks.
The trend of veteran drivers picking select events over full schedules is gaining momentum.

What Happens Next

The focus now shifts entirely to Stewart’s performance at Daytona. How he runs could dictate how Kaulig manages future entries and how Ram measures the success of their return. Kaulig is expected to reveal the rest of the driver lineup for the No. 25 as the season progresses. Stewart’s run at Daytona will likely set the bar for the entire program.

FAQ SECTION

Q: What happened?
A: Tony Stewart is coming out of retirement to race in the Truck Series opener at Daytona for Kaulig Racing.

Q: Who is involved?
A: The main players are Tony Stewart, Kaulig Racing, Ram Trucks, and the rest of the Kaulig driver lineup.

Q: Why is this important?
A: It brings a massive star back to the track, significantly boosting interest in the Truck Series while highlighting Ram’s return to the sport.

Q: What are the next steps?
A: Stewart races on February 13, after which Kaulig will rotate other drivers into the No. 25 seat.

What This Means

Tony Stewart returning to the driver’s seat is easily one of the most compelling stories of the 2026 pre-season. His entry at Daytona fuses nostalgia with hard competition and highlights the strategic innovation behind Kaulig Racing’s new free-agent model. Stewart’s run at Daytona proves that NASCAR is successfully finding ways to blend veteran star power with modern team strategies.

It elevates the status of the Truck Series opener, puts a spotlight on Kaulig, and announces Ram’s commitment to the sport with a megaphone. As the season gets underway, Stewart’s performance may well influence how teams handle driver rotations and how major events attract talent moving forward.

Tony Stewart Returns: “Smoke” Back for Daytona Truck Series Opener

What Happened

The Event

Key People Involved