Thanks to Ram's return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year with Kaulig Racing, and Matt Kaulig's team's decision to run a fifth entry as a "Free Agent" program, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart made his NASCAR return.
His first start since 2016, which was his first Truck Series start since 2005, came in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, but he was collected in a crash. He returned this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, but his day again ended early in a wreck.
Stewart does not currently have plans to return to NASCAR, and while in the past he has said to never say never, he hasn't exactly made it a secret in recent years that he isn't fond of NASCAR's current leadership.
Tony Stewart replacement confirmed for Martinsville
Stewart is one of 14 drivers to have driven Kaulig Racing's No. 25 "free agent" truck at some point during the first 23 races of the 2026 season, and seven of those drivers have competed in multiple races. One of the other six is set to become the third driver to run three races in the truck.
Carson Ferguson, who was one of the drivers who missed out on the team's fourth full-time ride in the "Ram: Race for the Seat" initiative to Mini Tyrrell, still got to make his series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in April, and he returned at Nashville Superspeedway in May. He finished 21st at Bristol but crashed out early at Nashville.
The 26-year-old native of Charlotte, North Carolina is set to make his third career start this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The Truck Series did not compete at Martinsville back in late March, when the Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series did.
The team have yet to confirm who will drive the No. 25 entry in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend. With three top 10 finishes, including a top result of sixth at Watkins Glen International with full-time Kaulig Racing Cup Series driver A.J. Allmendinger behind the wheel, the No. 25 team is 26th in the Truck Series owner standings.
The Black's Tire 200 is set to be shown live on Fox Sports 1 from Martinsville Speedway beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET this Friday, October 30. Start a free trial of FuboTV now and don't miss any of the action from the "Paperclip" in the 2026 season's penultimate race!
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