CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tony Stewart,the celebrated three-time NASCAR champion,will make a highly anticipated return to the track,competing in the debut of the Ram Truck at Daytona International Raceway next month. This marks stewart’s first NASCAR appearance since 2016.
Stewart to Rev Up Daytona with Ram’s Return
The racing legend will participate in Ram’s “free agent program,” showcasing established drivers and rising stars.
- Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion, will race in the debut of the Ram Truck at Daytona.
- Ram is returning to the NASCAR Truck Series at a national level in 2005.
- Ram will field five trucks in the 2026 season, including a “Race For The Seat” competition.
- The program aims to spotlight both established drivers and rising stars.
- Stewart’s return is part of Ram’s “free agent program.”
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck,” Stewart said Tuesday. “So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.”
what kind of program is Ram launching with Tony Stewart’s participation? Ram is introducing a “free agent program” designed to showcase proven drivers and emerging talent. Stewart will be the first driver to participate, adding excitement to the brand’s return to NASCAR.
Stewart will be part of Ram’s initiative, which will feature five trucks in the 2026 season. Full-time drivers Brenden “Butterbean” Queen,Daniel Dye,and Justin Haley will be joined by a “free agent” driver and a fourth driver determined through a reality show competition called “Race For The Seat.”
“We’re not just returning to the track, we’re rewriting the playbook,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands at Stellantis. “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.”
Stewart’s notable racing resume includes a unique achievement: he is the first and only driver to win all three USAC National championships (Midget, Sprint, Silver Crown) in a single year (1995). He also secured the IndyCar championship in 1997 and NASCAR championships in 2005, 2008, and 2011.
While primarily known for his success in other series, Stewart has six Truck Series races under his belt, with two victories, his last coming in 2003.
“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, established in 2016, currently fields two Cup cars and serves as the primary factory team for Ram’s return to NASCAR in 2026. The team has a strong track record in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with over 700 races, two regular-season championships, and 27 victories. they transitioned to full-time Cup Series competition in 2022, adding a third, part-time entry in 2023, and have already earned two Cup Series wins.
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