Tony Stewart Returns to NASCAR Competition with Kaulig Racing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a move that is set to excite fans of the sport, Tony Stewart will be returning to NASCAR competition for the first time since 2016. The three-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame inductee will be driving for Kaulig Racing in the debut of the Ram Truck at next month’s season-opening race at Daytona International Raceway. This marks a significant comeback for Stewart, who last raced a truck in 2005 at NASCAR’s national level.
Stewart, who drives for Dodge in the NHRA drag racing series, saw this opportunity as the perfect chance to reenter the NASCAR scene. “I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,” Stewart said in a statement. “So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.” This move is part of Ram’s “free agent program,” designed to bring proven drivers and rising stars into the spotlight, generating excitement among fans and honoring the legacy of the sport.
Stewart’s Impressive Career
Tony Stewart is one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of NASCAR. He is the first and only driver to win all three USAC National championships (Midget, Sprint, Silver Crown) in one year, achieving this feat in 1995. Additionally, he won the IndyCar championship in 1997 and NASCAR championships in 2005, 2008, and 2011. Stewart has run six Truck Series races in his career, with two victories, his last win being in 2003.
Stewart’s participation in the Ram Truck’s debut is seen as a significant boost for the brand’s return to NASCAR. According to Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands at Stellantis, “We’re not just returning to the track, we’re rewriting the playbook. Bringing Tony in as the first Free Agent will generate a crazy amount of excitement, which is exactly why we created the program — allowing fans to watch an all-time favorite driver get back into the seat, but this time, it’s a Ram truck.” This move is part of Ram’s strategy to make a strong comeback in the NASCAR scene, with a focus on excitement, legacy, and the spirit of racing.
Kaulig Racing and the Future of NASCAR
Kaulig Racing, the team Stewart will be driving for, is the anchor factory team for Ram’s return to NASCAR in 2026. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing has competed in more than 700 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, earning two regular-season championships and 27 victories. The team began competing part-time in the Cup Series in 2021 before expanding to a two-car, full-time team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first Cup Series start in 2021, the team has earned two wins.
Team owner Matt Kaulig expressed his excitement about having Tony Stewart on board, stating, “Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about. He’s a legend — his name alone brings energy to the sport. We couldn’t be more fired up to have him in our camp as we roll into Daytona for our first race. This is going to be a ride worth watching.” With Stewart’s return and Kaulig Racing’s strong performance, the future of NASCAR looks promising, with a focus on excitement, competition, and the spirit of racing.
