Tony Stewart is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He retired from full-time racing following the 2016 season.
In 2024, Stewart sold off Stewart-Haas Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team that he owned. Last season, he was crowned the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel Regular Season Champion.
Now, he’s ready for a return to NASCAR.
Stewart is set to make his first appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 2005. He’s signed with Ram Trucks and Kaulig Racing for the race at Daytona International Speedway.
Kaulig will run five full-time trucks in 2026. Stewart will run the ‘Free Agent’ truck which Kaulig has designated for rotating legendary drivers and rising stars.
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate,” Tony Stewart stated in the team release.
“Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”
Tony Stewart has 19 wins at Daytona International Speedway. He’s won in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and IROC.
“Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about,” said Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing.
“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.”
Tony Stewart knocks the Daytona 500
“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,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis.
“This is about honoring a legacy. Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing—pure adrenaline for the fans.”
Kaulig Racing Lineup:
– Brenden “Butterbean” Queen
– Daniel Dye
– Justin Haley
– Tony Stewart (Free Agent)
– Race For The Seat
Ram selects Kaulig Racing for their NASCAR return in 2026
Tony Stewart | Kaulig Racing | Ram | NASCAR
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