Three-time NASCAR Cup Champion Tony Stewart is set to make a one-time return to NASCAR competition. At 54 years old, Stewart, who currently pilots a Dodge Top Fuel dragster in the National Hot Road Association, will take part in the opening truck race at Daytona International Speedway, representing Ram—a sister brand of Dodge—marking their entry into the sport.
Both Dodge and Ram fall under the Stellantis umbrella. Stewart will be behind the wheel of the No. 25 truck for Kaulig Racing, a team that plans to feature several drivers this season as part of Ram’s innovative program that highlights different stories for each race.
Stewart last raced in NASCAR during the final event of the 2016 Cup season and hasn’t driven a truck race since 2005. So, why the return at Daytona? Stewart boasts 19 victories across various racing series at this iconic track.
“I’ve raced nearly every day at Daytona in four-wheel vehicles, but I’ve never competed on a track,” Stewart shared. “When the opportunity came to race with Ram as a part of their free agent program for my NASCAR comeback, I jumped at it. It’s a fantastic way to stay sharp and enjoy myself.”
Kaulig Racing is the only team running the Ram program this year with five trucks. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis openly hopes to see Dodge back in the Cup Series by 2027 or 2028; Dodge last raced in the series in 2012.
“We’re not merely getting back in the game, we’re redefining our approach,” Kuniskis stated. “Bringing Tony in as our first ‘free agent’ driver will ignite huge excitement—the very reason we developed this program. Fans always love seeing a favorite driver return, and this time it’s in a Ram truck. Tony embodies perseverance, grit, and the true racing spirit, delivering pure adrenaline to fans.”
Fan Take: Tony Stewart’s return sparks incredible excitement, bridging NASCAR’s rich history with its future potential. This move not only revives a beloved legend’s presence but also signals Ram and Dodge’s serious commitment to shaking up the sport in the coming years.
