Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is set to return to national-level NASCAR competition for at least one race. Now 54 and still active in motorsports, Stewart will drive a “free agent” truck for Kaulig Racing and Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Having not raced in a NASCAR event since retiring from the Cup Series after the 2016 season—and with his last Truck Series race dating back to 2005—this marks a significant comeback.
Stewart holds 19 wins at Daytona across various series including the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and IROC, second only to Dale Earnhardt. “I’ve raced nearly every day at Daytona on four wheels but never on this track itself,” Stewart said. “When the offer to drive a Ram truck for my first NASCAR race back came along, I jumped at the chance. The Ram free agent program helps me keep sharp and enjoy racing again.”
Kaulig Racing’s innovative free agent program will rotate a new driver in the No. 25 truck each week, with Stewart kicking off this initiative. Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands and NA Marketing for Stellantis, highlighted the excitement Stewart’s presence brings, emphasizing that “Tony embodies grit, determination, and passion that fans love.”
Beyond his three NASCAR Cup championships and 49 wins, Stewart also boasts an IndyCar title and remains the only driver to have won all three USAC National Championships (Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown) in the same year. He currently competes in NHRA as well. Matt Kaulig, founder of Kaulig Racing, called Stewart’s involvement “a dream come true” and predicted a memorable performance at Daytona.
This marks Stewart’s seventh Truck Series start, with two prior wins, but it will be his first time competing on the Daytona superspeedway itself. Although he has never won the Daytona 500, Stewart’s record includes victories in several other prestigious Daytona events such as the Summer Cup races, Duels, Clashes, O’Reillys, and IROC races.
Fan Take: Tony Stewart’s return ignites passion and nostalgia among NASCAR fans, bridging past legends with the present. His involvement not only adds star power to the Truck Series opener but also signals an exciting new chapter for the sport’s development and fan engagement.
