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“DONE DEAL!”: Tony Stewart and Martin Truex Jr. Launch Stewart-Truex Racing — NASCAR’s New Power Move

“DONE DEAL!”: Tony Stewart Just Made a MASSIVE Announcement and It Changes EVERYTHING for NASCAR! 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.
Tony Stewart and Martin Truex Jr. Announce New NASCAR Team

In a surprise that has the NASCAR paddock buzzing, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart confirmed a formal partnership with 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. to create a new Cup Series outfit slated to begin full-time competition in 2026. Dubbed Stewart-Truex Racing in early reports, the venture marks Stewart’s dramatic re-entry into NASCAR ownership after stepping away at the end of 2024.

The announcement arrived after months of speculation. Stewart—known as “Smoke” for his aggressive driving style—and Truex, who retired from full-time driving in 2024, say the project is built on shared championship experience, complementary strengths, and a desire to reinvigorate competition at the sport’s highest level.

“We’ve both been in the thick of it as drivers and as leaders. This isn’t nostalgia—this is a commitment to win,” Stewart said. “It’s a done deal, and we’re coming to compete.”

The new team plans to field at least two Cup Series entries with potential Xfinity Series expansion later. Early indications point to strong manufacturer interest and an aggressive timeline for building personnel, facilities, and sponsor relationships.

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Why This Matters

The timing of Stewart-Truex Racing is significant. NASCAR has recently seen charter consolidation, team closures, and lingering debates over cost structures and governance. A high-profile ownership return by Stewart, combined with Truex’s recent driver insight and industry ties, could reshape the team landscape and increase competition.

  • Charter dynamics: More teams mean more demand and potential reallocation of charters, which could stabilize participation across race weekends.
  • Manufacturer attention: Early conversations reportedly include interest from Toyota and other OEMs, making technical alliances a key early priority.
  • Sponsorship pull: Stewart’s wide-ranging motorsports holdings and Truex’s marketability position the team to attract major partners quickly.
What the New Team Brings

Stewart brings proven ownership experience—he helped build Stewart-Haas Racing into a championship-winning organization. Truex contributes recent driving knowledge, technical credibility, and relationships across the paddock. Together they combine fan appeal, commercial reach, and operational know-how.

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  • Leadership blend: Stewart’s bold management style paired with Truex’s measured racecraft could create a balanced team culture.
  • Driver development: Expect opportunities for young talents and potential part-time veteran appearances; the team has signaled interest in nurturing next-generation drivers.
  • Technical strategy: Investment in engineering personnel, simulator infrastructure, and pit operations will be early priorities to be competitive in the Next Gen era.
Short-Term Challenges

Building a Cup-level team from the ground up is costly and complex. Key hurdles include acquiring or leasing charters, recruiting top-tier crew chiefs and engineers, and securing stable manufacturer and sponsor partnerships. The industry’s talent redistribution after recent closures will be a double-edged sword: more experienced staff are available, but competition for them is fierce.

Analysts note several immediate tasks Stewart-Truex Racing must tackle:

  • Finalize manufacturer alignment and technical support agreements.
  • Confirm charters and entry strategy for 2026.
  • Hire engineering, shop, and pit crew leadership.
  • Lock in primary sponsors and outline a commercial calendar.
Potential Upside for NASCAR

The new ownership entry could produce ripple effects across the series. High-profile involvement by veterans like Stewart and Truex may encourage other former drivers or investors to consider ownership. Increased competition for charters could also prompt a healthier marketplace, potentially easing concerns about shrinking fields.

Fans have responded enthusiastically online, noting the symbolic return of a polarizing figure who helped define an era. For younger drivers, Stewart’s presence represents mentorship and a path to high-level racing opportunities.

What to Watch Next

Between now and the 2026 season, watch for several developments that will shape Stewart-Truex Racing’s trajectory:

  • Official team name, headquarters, and shop announcements.
  • Confirmed manufacturer and technical partnerships.
  • Driver lineups—will they invest in veterans, prospects, or a mix?
  • Key hires: crew chiefs, competition directors, and engineering leads.

Stewart-Truex Racing is more than a headline—it’s a potential catalyst. If the team can mobilize resources quickly and win early credibility on track, it could alter team dynamics in the Cup Series and energize a fanbase hungry for bold moves. For now, the paddock holds its breath: “DONE DEAL” may be the start of a very different NASCAR season ahead.

Stay tuned as we track official confirmations, roster moves, and technical partnerships in the months to come.

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