“The same guys that run every week at a NASCAR track are the ones you see at the Daytona 500. The Chili Bowl is drastically different than that.” Tony Stewart didn’t mince words when he recently took aim at NASCAR’s crown-jewel event, once again highlighting how strained his relationship with the sport has become.

Over the past few years, Smoke has openly criticized the charter system, lamented the sponsor struggles that ultimately sank Stewart-Haas Racing, and voiced frustration over NASCAR drifting away from its grassroots identity. So when Stewart questioned the prestige of the Daytona 500 just days ago, it felt like another chapter in a long-running disconnect.

Ironically, that same tension now makes his next move even more compelling. Because, despite all the frustration, Tony Stewart is heading back to Daytona, setting aside pride for a return that few expected.

Tony Stewart is back at Daytona

Tony Stewart is officially heading back to Daytona. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will make his first stock car start in nearly a decade by piloting Kaulig Racing’s No. 30 RAM truck in the February 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The announcement also places Stewart in exclusive company. The gap between his Truck Series starts will span 20 years, 8 months, and 10 days, making it one of the longest breaks between starts in series history. Only Bobby Gerhart (19 years, 9 months, 16 days) and Jimmie Johnson (17 years, 9 months, 30 days) come remotely close.

The move is significant for more than just Stewart’s return. It also underscores RAM’s re-entry into NASCAR Trucks, aligning seamlessly with Stewart’s existing Dodge partnership through his NHRA Top Fuel program. Stewart’s presence gives RAM an instant headline as it reestablishes itself in the garage with Kaulig.

Stewart’s entry comes through Kaulig Racing’s Free Agent Driver Program. Announced in November 2025, RAM’s initiative partners with Kaulig to field a rotating truck throughout the season, allowing marquee drivers to step in without committing to a full championship run. As part of the program, the No. 25 (and select No. 30) entries are not eligible for the Truck Series title, making this a pure one-off opportunity rather than a long-term campaign.

Notably, Stewart hasn’t competed in a NASCAR national series event since his final Cup start with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2016. His return also arrives just days after NASCAR confirmed the return of the Chase-style championship format. This adds another layer of irony, given Stewart’s recent criticisms of the sport’s direction.

“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,” Stewart said in a team release. “RAM’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”

For a driver who’s never been shy about speaking his mind, Stewart’s Daytona return feels less like reconciliation and more like unfinished business, calling him back one more time.

Top Stories

Kyle Busch Makes 7-Word Promise to Richard Childress to Set Expectations Straight for NASCAR 2026

Chase Elliott Claps Back at Outspoken Fans With 5-Word Statement While Praising NASCAR’s Return to the Chase

Star Driver Admits to Thinking About ‘Quitting’ NASCAR After Facing Greg Biffle’s Tragedy

Joey Logano Left Shocked After NASCAR’s Return to Chase Format, Vows to Change Strategy for 2026

A rotating cast that gives Kaulig real depth

Tony Stewart might be the headline grabber, but Kaulig Racing’s 2026 Truck Series lineup runs much deeper than a one-off Daytona cameo. In fact, the supporting cast may end up being just as important in defining what this Ram-backed program becomes.

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen arrives with the loudest momentum. Fresh off his 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship, Queen didn’t just win a title; he earned it through week-to-week consistency and patience, two traits that often separate Truck Series contenders from hype projects. That championship résumé made him an obvious choice as Ram’s first confirmed full-season driver, and expectations will be high.

Daniel Dye represents the steady-builder archetype. His 2025 Xfinity Series campaign with Kaulig Racing didn’t produce viral moments, but eight top-10 finishes quietly reinforced his reputation as a driver who maximizes equipment. That reliability matters in Trucks, where chaos is common, and survival often equals points. Dye’s learning curve, rather than raw aggression, could make him a weekly factor.

Justin Haley adds Cup-level seasoning to the mix. After a full-time Cup Series run with Spire Motorsports in 2025, Haley brings something the rest of the lineup doesn’t: recent experience managing long races against elite competition. His ability to communicate feedback, manage tire falloff, and adjust mid-race could be invaluable for a program still finding its footing.

Then there’s the wildcard. Kaulig’s Race For The Seat reality show introduces an entirely different storyline. Across eight episodes and multiple iconic tracks, 15 drivers battled not just lap times, but pressure and personality. The prize: a full-time Truck Series seat in 2026. If recent paddock chatter (and a now-viral Reddit post) is accurate, that seat belongs to Timothy “Mini” Tyrell.

If true, Kaulig’s lineup suddenly blends champions, veterans, grinders, and a reality-TV breakout, making it one of the most intriguing Truck programs to watch all season.