The NASCAR world is abuzz with the news that Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame inductee, is set to make his return to the sport after a six-year hiatus. Stewart will be getting behind the wheel of a Ram truck for Kaulig Racing at the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway next month, marking his first NASCAR competition since 2016.
Stewart, who last competed in a truck at the national level in 2005, will be part of Ram's "free agent program," which aims to bring together proven drivers and rising stars. The program is designed to generate excitement and give fans the opportunity to watch their favorite drivers in action. As Stewart noted, "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's impressive resume includes winning all three USAC National championships (Midget, Sprint, Silver Crown) in one year (1995), as well as the IndyCar championship in 1997 and NASCAR championships in 2005, 2008, and 2011. He has also had success in the Truck Series, with two victories in six starts, his last win coming in 2003. His return to NASCAR is a significant moment for the sport, and fans are eagerly anticipating his performance in the Ram truck.
"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 at Stellantis.
Kaulig Racing, which fields two Cup cars and is the anchor factory team for Ram's return to NASCAR in 2026, is thrilled to have Stewart on board. "Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about," said team owner Matt Kaulig. "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."
Kaulig Racing has established itself as a competitive force in NASCAR, with two regular-season championships and 27 victories in the Xfinity Series. The team began competing part-time in the Cup Series in 2021 and expanded to a two-car, full-time team in 2022. With the addition of Stewart to their lineup, they are looking to make a strong statement in the 2026 season.
Here are some key details about Ram's "free agent program":
With Stewart's return to NASCAR and Kaulig Racing's debut with the Ram truck, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for fans. As Stewart prepares to get back behind the wheel, he is sure to bring his signature grit and determination to the track, making for a thrilling ride for fans and a strong start to the season for Kaulig Racing and Ram.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
