Mark Martin Calls Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Comeback a Perfect Move

If you’ve been following the rumor mill in the racing world, you know that things have been heating up. But now, it’s official. After nearly a decade away from the stock car spotlight, Tony Stewart is climbing back into the driver’s seat.

The three-time Cup Series champion—affectionately known as “Smoke” to his legion of fans—is set to make his return to NASCAR competition in February 2026.

This isn’t just a ceremonial lap, either. Stewart is suiting up for the Craftsman Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, piloting the No. 25 entry for Kaulig Racing.

It’s a massive moment for the sport, but perhaps the most interesting take on the situation comes from fellow Hall of Famer Mark Martin. According to Martin, this isn’t just a publicity stunt; it’s a sign that NASCAR is finally heading in a direction that makes sense for the legends of the sport.

1. Martin Weighs In on the Big Return

When a driver of Mark Martin’s caliber speaks, the garage tends to listen. Martin, a legend in his own right, was quick to praise Stewart’s decision to return, noting that it reflects a positive shift in the sport’s culture. For years, there has been a lingering sentiment that some of the “old guard” stepped away because the sport had drifted too far from its roots. Martin pointed out that Stewart’s departure in 2016 was partly due to dissatisfaction with where racing was heading at the time. However, seeing Stewart willing to strap back in suggests that the winds are changing. For Martin, this comeback is validation. It signals that the environment in NASCAR has improved enough to attract a competitor as fierce and critical as Stewart back into the fold. It’s a ringing endorsement. If the environment is good enough for Smoke, and it makes sense to Martin, it tells fans that the 2026 season might be one for the history books.

2. The RAM and Kaulig Connection

The other side of this coin is the machinery. Stewart isn’t just coming back; he’s bringing an old friend with him. This race marks the official return of RAM Trucks to the Craftsman Truck Series. Kaulig Racing has partnered with RAM to field five trucks in 2026, creating a powerhouse lineup that blends veteran experience with new blood. This is part of RAM’s new “Free Agent Program,” a strategy designed to pair seasoned pros with rising stars. It’s a brilliant move to generate buzz. By putting Stewart in the No. 25 at Daytona, RAM is ensuring all eyes are on their grill badge when the green flag drops. It’s worth noting that Stewart has spent his recent years drag racing in the NHRA with Dodge, so the connection to the manufacturer is already strong. This bridges his current drag racing era with his NASCAR legacy in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

3. A Long Time Coming

To understand the hype, you have to look at the timeline. Tony Stewart hasn’t started a NASCAR race since 2016. Even more surprising? He hasn’t competed in the Truck Series specifically since 2005. That is a 20-year gap. For a generation of fans who grew up watching Stewart dominate on Sundays, seeing him mix it up in the trucks on a Friday night at Daytona is pure nostalgia. But for newer fans who only know him as a team owner or a drag racer, this is a chance to see a master at work on the high banks. Daytona is the perfect venue for this. It’s unpredictable, high-speed, and demands a level of aggression that Stewart was famous for. The Truck Series is known for being chaotic and scrappy—two adjectives that fit Stewart’s driving style perfectly. The implications here go beyond just ticket sales for the season opener. First, the manufacturer war is back on. RAM’s entry means there will be four manufacturers fighting for real estate on the track, something we haven’t seen since Dodge pulled out years ago. Competition breeds better racing, and having another major player in the mix is a win for everyone. Secondly, Stewart’s return could set a precedent. If he has a good time and feels competitive, could we see other retired legends dipping their toes back in for one-off races? The “Free Agent Program” seems tailor-made for this exact scenario. As we look toward February 13, 2026, the anticipation is already building. Mark Martin hit the nail on the head: this move just “makes sense.” It makes sense for Kaulig, it makes sense for RAM, and most importantly, it makes sense for the fans who have missed seeing Smoke rise at Daytona.

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