### NASCAR Legend Tony Stewart Makes a Triumphant Return to Daytona After a Decade Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer, is set to make his much-anticipated return to NASCAR competition after a 10-year hiatus. He will be driving for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona International Raceway on February 13, 2026. This marks Stewart's first NASCAR race since 2016 and his first Truck Series start in 21 years, generating significant excitement among fans and the motorsports community alike. Stewart's comeback is part of Ram Trucks' new "free agent program," aimed at showcasing established drivers and emerging talents in the NASCAR landscape [https://speedcafe.com/nascar-news-tony-stewart-daytona-truck-series-kaulig-ram-entry][https://motorsportstribune.com/hall-of-famer-tony-stewart-set-for-nascar-return-at-daytona]. ### Breakdown of Stewart's Return to NASCAR 1. **Background of the Comeback** - Stewart has not competed in NASCAR since 2016, making this return particularly noteworthy. - He will be driving the No. 25 Ram Truck for Kaulig Racing, a team established in 2016 that has quickly become a significant player in NASCAR [https://www.mininggazette.com/sports/2026/01/tony-stewart-returns-to-nascar-in-ram-truck-debut-at-daytona-international-raceway]. 2. **Details of the Event** - The race will take place at Daytona International Raceway, a historic venue in NASCAR. - Stewart's participation is part of the season-opening race for the Truck Series, known as the Fresh from Florida 250 [https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a69989481/tony-stewart-return-to-nascar-in-trucks]. 3. **Significance of the Return** - Stewart's return is expected to draw significant attention and excitement from fans, as he is a well-respected figure in motorsports. - His involvement in the Ram "free agent program" highlights a strategic move by Ram Trucks to reinvigorate their presence in NASCAR [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-tony-stewart-daytona-ram-kaulig-fd39721192af590a15d3d51531bce835]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Stewart's Racing History** - Stewart has a storied career, including three NASCAR Cup Series championships and numerous wins across various racing formats. - His last Truck Series race was in 2005, making this a significant milestone in his career [https://www.the-express.com/sport/motorsport/195945/tony-stewart-nascar-comeback-daytona]. - **Kaulig Racing's Role** - Kaulig Racing has quickly established itself in NASCAR, fielding competitive teams in both the Cup Series and Truck Series since its inception. - The team is the anchor factory team for Ram's return to NASCAR in 2026, further emphasizing the importance of Stewart's return [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tony-stewart-confirmed-daytona-truck-154952149.html]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Moment for NASCAR In summary, **Tony Stewart's return to NASCAR at Daytona is a landmark event** that not only marks the end of a decade-long absence but also signifies a new chapter for both Stewart and Kaulig Racing. 1. **Stewart's comeback is highly anticipated**, with fans eager to see the Hall of Famer back on the track. 2. **The race at Daytona will serve as a platform for Ram Trucks' new initiative**, showcasing both established and emerging talents in the sport. 3. **This event is expected to generate significant media coverage and fan engagement**, reinforcing Stewart's status as a motorsports icon [https://slicksandsticks.com/2026/01/14/tony-stewart-announces-thrilling-nascar-return-at-daytona][https://www.eldoradonews.com/news/2026/jan/13/stewart-returns-to-nascar-in-ram-truck-debut-at].