Tony Stewart Surprises with NASCAR Comeback at Daytona

One-time Truck Series race offers Stewart chance to compete again with family in attendance

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Tony Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, has surprised many by returning to the Daytona International Speedway Media Center to announce a one-time Truck Series race with Kaulig Racing. This unexpected comeback will allow Stewart to compete again, with his wife Leah Pruett and their son Dominic experiencing their first NASCAR event together as a family.

Why it matters

Stewart's NASCAR driving career spanned over 20 years, including three Cup Series championships, before he retired in 2016. This one-off return to the track offers Stewart a rare opportunity to reconnect with the sport and his fans, while also creating a special family moment that his wife and son have never experienced before.

The details

Unlike previous media appearances where Stewart participated as a team owner, this visit marked a return to his roots as a driver. Stewart emphasized the personal significance of this chance to race again, even if just once, and how meaningful it was for his family to finally witness him compete in a NASCAR event.

  • Stewart's last race as a driver was the 2016 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
  • Stewart and his wife Leah Pruett started their relationship in 2019.
  • Their son Dominic was born in 2024.

The players

Tony Stewart

A NASCAR Hall of Famer with three Cup Series championships, who is making a one-time return to the Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway.

Leah Pruett

Stewart's wife, who has never witnessed him drive in a NASCAR race before.

Dominic

Stewart and Pruett's son, who will be attending his first NASCAR event.

Kaulig Racing

The team Stewart will be driving for in his one-time Truck Series race at Daytona.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's an opportunity that she never had to literally come to a NASCAR event and watch me drive in NASCAR. We get to have Leah here, and we get the cherry on top. We get Dominic here, too, who will have never had that opportunity, obviously. So we kind of get a two-for-one deal, getting my family to be a part of this with us.”

— Tony Stewart (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Stewart has made it clear that this comeback is strictly limited to the Daytona event, with no additional races planned beyond this one-time opportunity.

The takeaway

Stewart's unexpected return to NASCAR, even if just for a single race, highlights the enduring appeal of the sport and the special connection drivers can have with their fans. This family-focused moment also demonstrates the personal significance of the experience for Stewart, as he creates cherished memories with his wife and son.