Tony Stewart Eyes Uncharted Territory: Legendary Racer Returns to NASCAR National Series in Craftsman Truck Debut at Daytona

Daytona Beach, FL – In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the motorsport community, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is set to make a surprise return to national-level NASCAR competition. The 54-year-old racing icon, who has remained active in various racing disciplines, will pilot the No. 25 Ram truck for Kaulig Racing in the season-opening Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway. This marks Stewart’s first start in a NASCAR national series event since his retirement from the Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2016 season, and his first appearance in the Truck Series since 2005, a hiatus spanning nearly two decades.

Stewart, affectionately known as "Smoke," brings a formidable track record at Daytona International Speedway, a venue where he has achieved remarkable success. He stands as the winningest driver at the historic superspeedway, excluding the Earnhardt family, with an impressive 19 victories across multiple series, including the Cup Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly NASCAR Winston West Series), and the International Race of Champions (IROC). While his legendary career boasts numerous accolades, a Daytona 500 victory has eluded him, making this Truck Series foray a unique opportunity to add another chapter to his storied history at the track.

The decision to return to a NASCAR national series stems from an opportunistic offer through Ram’s “Free Agent” program, a new initiative by Kaulig Racing designed to feature a rotating cast of drivers in their No. 25 truck throughout the season. Stewart expressed his immediate enthusiasm for the opportunity. "I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck," Stewart stated. "So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate. Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun." This program aims to inject fresh narratives and generate significant fan engagement by bringing diverse talent into the Truck Series fold.

Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis, articulated the strategic vision behind the Free Agent program and Stewart’s inclusion. "We’re not just returning to the track; we’re rewriting the playbook," Kuniskis remarked. "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. This is about honoring a legacy. Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing – pure adrenaline for the fans."

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Stewart’s racing pedigree extends far beyond his NASCAR achievements. His versatile career includes a championship in the IndyCar Series, a rare feat of winning all three USAC National championships (Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown) in a single year, and his ongoing participation in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. His 49 Cup Series victories and three Cup Series championships cement his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. This diverse experience is expected to translate into a competitive performance, even in an unfamiliar vehicle and series.

Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing, echoed the sentiment of excitement and anticipation surrounding Stewart’s debut. "Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about," Kaulig said. "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, a team with a growing presence in NASCAR across multiple national series, sees this as a significant moment for their brand and the Truck Series.

This upcoming appearance will mark Tony Stewart’s seventh career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In his previous six starts, he secured two victories, demonstrating his capability in this division. However, his prior Truck Series races did not include an event at Daytona International Speedway. Stewart’s impressive statistics at Daytona include four Cup Series wins in the summer classic, three victories in the Duel qualifying races, three wins in The Clash (formerly the Budweiser Shootout), seven wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and two IROC wins. His familiarity with the track’s unique challenges, particularly in drafting and close-quarters racing, is a significant asset.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona is renowned for its unpredictable nature and high-stakes racing. The introduction of the Next Gen truck platform for the 2022 season has further leveled the playing field, and the addition of a seasoned veteran like Stewart adds another layer of intrigue. Kaulig Racing’s commitment to the Free Agent program signifies an innovative approach to driver utilization and fan engagement, aiming to leverage the star power of various personalities to elevate the profile of the Truck Series. The partnership with Ram, a prominent brand in the automotive industry, underscores the program’s ambition and reach.

Stewart’s return is not only a personal milestone but also a significant event for the NASCAR community. His presence is expected to draw considerable attention to the Craftsman Truck Series, potentially attracting new viewers and reigniting interest among long-time fans. The combination of Stewart’s legendary status, Kaulig Racing’s competitive program, and the iconic backdrop of Daytona International Speedway sets the stage for a memorable season opener. As "Smoke" prepares to navigate the high banks in a truck for the first time in 20 years, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see if he can add another celebrated victory to his illustrious career on the sport’s most famous superspeedway.

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