Tony Stewart Eyes Truck Series Return at Daytona, Marking First NASCAR National Series Start in Eight Years

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will make a surprise return to national NASCAR competition, piloting a Kaulig Racing and Ram entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. This marks Stewart’s first start in a NASCAR national series event since his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition at the conclusion of the 2016 season. His last appearance in the Truck Series was in 2005, making this his first run in the series in nearly two decades.

Stewart, now 54, remains an active participant in motorsports, currently competing in the NHRA circuit. His celebrated career includes 49 Cup Series victories, three Cup Series championships, an IndyCar Series title, and the unique distinction of being the only driver to win all three USAC National championships – Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown – in the same year. His return to the track at Daytona, a venue where he has achieved significant success, adds another layer to this unexpected comeback. Stewart is recognized as the winningest driver at Daytona not named Earnhardt, with 19 victories across various series, including the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and IROC.

The Kaulig Racing entry, which will carry the No. 25 designation, is part of the team’s "Free Agent" program. This initiative is designed to bring in a rotating roster of drivers throughout the season to pilot the truck, with Stewart being the inaugural participant. This program aims to generate significant fan interest and provide a platform for diverse talent to compete.

"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."

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Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis, commented on the significance of Stewart’s involvement. "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," Kuniskis said. "This is about honoring a legacy. Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing – pure adrenaline for the fans."

Stewart’s seven prior Truck Series starts have yielded two victories. However, his upcoming appearance at Daytona will be his debut in the series at the iconic superspeedway. While Stewart has never won the Daytona 500, his record at Daytona includes four wins in the summer Cup Series race, three triumphs in the Duel qualifying races, three victories in The Clash, seven wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and two wins in IROC events.

Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing, expressed his enthusiasm for Stewart’s participation. "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’s entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Ram represents a strategic expansion for the team, which has established a strong presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team’s "Free Agent" program, as outlined by Kuniskis, is intended to be a dynamic element of their Truck Series campaign, ensuring continuous media attention and engagement with a wide array of drivers. The choice of Stewart to inaugurate this program underscores the intention to leverage established racing icons and generate immediate impact.

Stewart’s extensive experience across multiple disciplines of motorsport provides a unique perspective and skill set. His transition back to stock car racing, albeit in a different series, is expected to draw considerable viewership. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona is known for its unpredictable nature, especially on the superspeedway, which often leads to unexpected outcomes and close racing. Stewart’s history of performing under pressure at Daytona suggests he will be a competitive contender, despite the long hiatus from this specific form of competition.

The narrative surrounding Stewart’s return is amplified by his enduring popularity within the NASCAR fanbase. His championship pedigree and aggressive racing style have solidified his status as one of the sport’s most influential figures. The opportunity for fans to witness him compete again, particularly in a new series and with a manufacturer making its return to NASCAR in partnership with Kaulig Racing, is anticipated to be a significant draw for the event.

Ram’s re-entry into NASCAR through this partnership with Kaulig Racing and Stewart’s involvement signals a renewed commitment from the automotive brand to the sport. The manufacturer has a history in NASCAR, and this collaboration is positioned as a means to reconnect with racing enthusiasts and showcase their truck offerings. The "Free Agent" concept allows for flexibility and potential collaborations with various drivers who can represent the brand and the team effectively.

Stewart’s career statistics are a testament to his talent and versatility. His 49 Cup Series wins place him among the all-time greats. His championship seasons in 2002, 2005, and 2011 with Joe Gibbs Racing cemented his legacy in the sport’s premier division. Beyond NASCAR, his success in open-wheel racing, highlighted by his IndyCar championship in 1997, and his dominance in USAC competition, further underscore his broad racing acumen. His current involvement in NHRA drag racing demonstrates a continued passion for competition and a desire to challenge himself in different arenas.

The Daytona International Speedway has been a stage for some of Stewart’s most memorable performances. His ability to navigate the high-speed environment and contend for victories at the famed track has been a hallmark of his career. While the dynamics of the Truck Series, with its different chassis, engines, and driver lineups, present unique challenges, Stewart’s adaptability and race-craft are expected to be key factors.

The strategic alignment between Kaulig Racing, Ram, and Tony Stewart for the Daytona opener is designed to create a high-impact moment to launch the Truck Series season. The "Free Agent" program itself is a departure from traditional driver lineups, aiming to inject novelty and excitement into each race. Stewart’s selection as the first driver to participate suggests a carefully considered plan to maximize the program’s initial exposure and appeal. The anticipation surrounding this event is likely to extend beyond the immediate racing community, potentially attracting broader interest due to Stewart’s prominent name recognition.

Stewart’s previous two victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series came in 2001 at Richmond and 2002 at Texas. His return to the series after a significant absence, combined with the iconic setting of Daytona, creates a compelling storyline for the season-opening race. The event will offer a unique opportunity to observe how Stewart adapts to the current iteration of the Truck Series and the specific challenges of competing at Daytona in this series. The success of this collaboration could also pave the way for further "Free Agent" appearances throughout the season, as Kaulig Racing aims to capitalize on the program’s potential.

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