Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart was featured in an interview ahead of the Daytona 500. During the interaction, Stewart rejected the idea of returning to the Cup Series. However, he will still compete in the Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway with the Kaulig Racing and RAM alliance.
In January 2026, the former Cup Series team owner announced his return to stock car racing. He will pilot the #25 RAM-powered truck for the North Carolina-based team in the 100-lap race as a part of the special agent program. Following that, the 54-year-old made it clear that he won’t return to the Daytona 500 despite never winning the crown jewel event.
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Sticking to his decision, Tony Stewart told the media (via Motorsports.com):
“We can lead every lap tomorrow night, and I will not be back here for the Daytona 500. I’m pretty good after all these years of saying never. You will not see me here for the Daytona 500.”
“It’s the one that makes you money and puts money in your pocket. It’s the thing I don’t give two shits about over here. All I care about is doing what I can to get in that truck to get myself in the best position to win the race,” he concluded.
Tony Stewart also issued a stern warning to the young drivers on the track. He claimed he won’t sit quietly if someone tries to make bad blocks. Additionally, the former Cup Series champion has been practicing for his return on iRacing for a month.
“It’s been 10 years”: Tony Stewart got candid about practicing ahead of the Truck Series Daytona race
Ahead of his return, former NASCAR team owner Tony Stewart took to X and shared a clip of him practicing on an iRacing setup. Stewart claimed it’s been nearly a decade since he competed in any stock car racing series.
Stewart’s last race in the Cup Series was in 2016. Meanwhile, his previous Truck Series start was back in 2005. Reflecting on that, the three-time Cup Series champion began practicing for the Truck Series event ahead and wrote:
“It’s been 10 years since I’ve ran @DAYTONA, and I’ve never done it in a truck. Safe to say, I needed some practice. Thanks to @iRacing, I can do just that. Head over to my YouTube channel and go behind the scenes with me and my spotter, TJ Bell, as we prepare for my upcoming return to @NASCAR with @RamTrucks and @KauligRacing!”
Tony Stewart has completed six races in his five-year stint in the Truck Series. He clinched two victories at Richmond Raceway in 2002 and 2003 while piloting the #33 Chevy truck for Andy Petree Racing. Apart from two wins, Stewart has five top-ten finishes in the series.
Edited by Karan Yadav