NASCAR Rumor: What do the ‘Smoke’ signals from Tony Stewart mean?
In the wake of Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure at the end of the 2024 season, Tony Stewart was unequivocal about his future in NASCAR ownership. “I am not going to own a team in NASCAR ever again,” he told Fox Sports, citing escalating operational costs and broader economic pressures that had made the four-car operation unsustainable.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The shutdown marked the end of a 16-year partnership with Gene Haas, during which Stewart secured three Cup Series championships as a driver. Since then, the 54-year-old Hall of Famer has shifted his focus to NHRA drag racing, where his wife, Leah Pruett, competes under the Stellantis banner—parent company to Dodge and RAM—while he oversees sprint car operations also tied to the manufacturer.
Yet, as of November 11, 2025, persistent rumors suggest Stewart could re-engage with NASCAR. Speculation centers on a potential one-off appearance in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series All-Star Race, driving a RAM entry alongside former rival-turned-ally Kasey Kahne. The buzz originated from the “RAMMIN’ is RACING” podcast on Kaulig Racing’s Kaulignation network, with follow-up reports from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts Mike Skinner and Angie Marlar. Kaulig, which parted ways with Chevrolet and Richard Childress Racing earlier this year, is aligning with RAM for a confirmed 2026 Truck Series return and is advocating for a fifth truck in the All-Star event to accommodate this “legends” lineup, potentially including Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer sharing duties.
RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis addressed the chatter during a Michigan International Speedway announcement, confirming no formal discussions but noting Stewart’s name frequently arises. “People said when I was at MIS and made this announcement, ‘Are you just fishing for a team to see who stands up?’ I didn’t hear anything from Tony, but we’ll see where this all ends up,” Kuniskis said, expressing openness to leveraging recognizable veterans for the brand’s re-entry. The arrangement could tie into Stellantis’ broader support for Stewart’s NHRA program, where the company already offsets significant expenses.
Stewart, who last competed full-time in the Cup Series in 2016, has softened some of his criticisms of the sport. In a recent SiriusXM interview, he affirmed plans to attend NASCAR events using his Hall of Fame credentials: “I’m definitely planning on coming back to NASCAR races. As a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, I get a hard card… I miss a lot of things about NASCAR, and most of all the people.” He has voiced frustration with elements like plate racing but stopped short of ruling out selective involvement.
These whispers coincide with escalating pressure on NASCAR from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in October 2024. On November 4, 2025, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell ruled in the teams’ favor on the definition of the “relevant marketplace,” broadening it to encompass NASCAR’s control over tracks, media rights, and suppliers—beyond just Cup Series charters. The plaintiffs, who opted out of 2025 charter agreements to pursue the suit, recently narrowed their claims by dismissing the Section 1 antitrust allegation, streamlining focus on Section 2 (monopolization) for the December 1 jury trial. NASCAR officials, including Commissioner Steve Phelps, have indicated settlement efforts are underway, with analysts estimating a team victory could boost revenue shares by 20-30%, making independent operations more viable and potentially drawing back figures like Stewart.
Fan reactions on social media lean skeptical. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect doubt: “I’d really be shocked if Tony is gonna run some truck races, he’s been so distant from NASCAR and has been having a good time with NHRA,” one user wrote. Another demanded, “I’m gonna need a better source than ‘I’ve heard.’ Tony has been very clear that he hates plate racing,” while a third flatly stated, “No shot Tony Stewart races a truck. None.” Excitement bubbles for Kahne’s potential return but tempers expectations for Smoke.
Given the antitrust momentum—poised to reshape team economics—and Stewart’s deepening ties to RAM without ownership commitments, the odds of him revisiting his “never again” stance on owning a team sit at around 40% over the next two years. A post-trial settlement or loss for NASCAR could elevate that figure, turning marginal ventures profitable. For now, the rumors point to a driver’s seat cameo, not the owner’s box—a calculated nod to nostalgia amid a sport in flux. As the December gavel looms, Stewart’s path remains as unpredictable as a late-race restart.