In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has made a bombshell announcement: he is partnering with retired driver and 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr.

to launch a new NASCAR team, marking his dramatic return to stock car racing ownership after the shutdown of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the 2024 season.

The news broke late last week when Stewart, known affectionately as “Smoke,” took to social media and various interviews to declare it a “DONE DEAL!” The new venture, tentatively called Stewart-Truex Racing, will field at least two full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in the 2026 season, with potential expansion into the Xfinity Series down the line.

This partnership reunites two of the sport’s most accomplished drivers-turned-owners, promising to inject fresh energy into a series still reeling from recent charter disputes, team consolidations, and shifting manufacturer landscapes.

Stewart’s exit from NASCAR ownership in 2024 was bittersweet. Co-owning Stewart-Haas Racing with Gene Haas since 2009, he oversaw an era of dominance that included two Cup championships (2011 as driver-owner and 2014 with Kevin Harvick), multiple playoff appearances, and over 100 race wins across NASCAR’s top divisions.

However, escalating costs, sponsorship challenges, and frustrations with the sport’s direction led to the team’s dissolution.

Haas retained one charter to form the Haas Factory Team, but Stewart appeared content shifting his focus to NHRA Top Fuel drag racing, where he has thrived, securing multiple wins in 2025 and even leading the points at times.

Fans and insiders speculated that Stewart was done with NASCAR for good, especially after his candid criticisms of the charter system and ongoing conflicts between teams and the sanctioning body. Yet, the lure of stock car racing proved too strong.

Teaming up with Truex, who retired from full-time driving after the 2024 season but expressed interest in ownership roles, seems like a perfect match. Truex brings recent on-track insight, a loyal fanbase, and strong ties to Toyota, which could play a key role in manufacturer alignment for the new team.

“This is a game-changer,” Stewart reportedly said in his announcement. “Martin and I have talked about this for months. We’ve both won championships, built successful programs, and know what it takes to compete at the highest level. NASCAR needs more competition, more passion, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing back.

It’s a done deal, and we’re hitting the ground running.”

The implications for NASCAR are profound. The sport has faced criticism for shrinking fields, dominant teams absorbing charters from departing organizations, and a perceived lack of new blood at the ownership level. Stewart and Truex’s entry could reverse that trend.

With Stewart’s deep pockets from his diverse racing empire—including Eldora Speedway and Tony Stewart Racing in sprint cars and NHRA—and Truex’s connections, the team is expected to attract top sponsors quickly.

Rumors swirl about potential drivers, including young talents looking for opportunities and perhaps even a part-time role for one of the owners themselves in select races.

Industry experts believe this move changes everything. It signals that high-profile figures still see value in NASCAR despite recent turmoil, including the antitrust lawsuit settled earlier this year involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. More teams mean more charters in play, potentially stabilizing the grid and increasing competition.

Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota executives are likely already courting the new outfit, as manufacturer support remains crucial in the Next Gen era.

For fans, the excitement is palpable. Stewart’s aggressive driving style and no-holds-barred personality made him a fan favorite during his driving days, where he amassed 49 Cup wins and became one of only a handful of drivers to win titles under multiple formats.

Truex, with his methodical approach and one championship, complements Stewart perfectly. Together, they represent a bridge between NASCAR’s old-school grit and modern professionalism.

Challenges lie ahead, of course. Securing charters won’t be cheap in the post-lawsuit market, and building a shop from scratch requires immense resources. Crew chiefs, engineers, and pit crews will need to be assembled, drawing from the talent pool dispersed after Stewart-Haas’s closure.

Yet, if anyone can pull it off, it’s these two champions. Stewart has proven his ownership acumen before, turning a struggling Haas CNC team into a powerhouse. Truex, mentored by legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his early days, understands the business side intimately.

This announcement also underscores NASCAR’s enduring appeal. Despite dips in attendance and viewership in recent years, stars like Stewart returning could spark a renaissance. Younger drivers idolize him—Kyle Larson has often credited Stewart for paving the way for versatile racers.

Seeing “Smoke” back in the garage area, strategizing with Truex, will evoke memories of the sport’s glory days while pointing toward a brighter future.

As preparations ramp up for the 2026 Daytona 500, all eyes are on Stewart-Truex Racing.

Will they disrupt the Big Three of Hendrick, Penske, and Gibbs? Can they lure away disgruntled talent or develop the next generation? One thing is certain: Tony Stewart’s massive announcement has reignited passion across the NASCAR world.

The checkered flag on his NASCAR chapter isn’t waved yet—it’s just getting started again.

In the words echoing across social media and garages alike: “DONE DEAL!” And with that, everything changes for NASCAR once more.