“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona,” says Stewart, “but never a truck.”
Tony Stewart is coming in from the cold.
A former Cup Series champion and former co-owner of a successful Cup team, Stewart eventually left NASCAR for drag racing but now is making a temporary return. Kaulig Racing announced Tuesday that Stewart will drive one of its entries in the Craftsman Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway next month.
A three-time Cup champion, Stewart last raced in NASCAR’s top series in 2016. He hasn’t competed in the Truck series since 2005 and hasn’t raced a truck at Daytona, but he has 19 wins at the track in other series.
“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona but never a truck,” Stewart said. “So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate.”
Kaulig plans to field five Ram trucks this season as Dodge makes its return to NASCAR. Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye and Justin Haley are scheduled to run the full season. A fourth truck, designated as the “free agent” ride, is available for both experienced drivers like Stewart and younger drivers who have shown potential. A fifth truck will be driven by the winner of a competition involving new drivers.
“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 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.”
Stewart was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020.
Category: General Sports
