NASCAR 2026: Kyle Busch offers brutal reaction to Tony Stewart's return

Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has offered a brutal reaction to Tony Stewart confirming his NASCAR return.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Stewart would soon be racing in the sport for the first time since he retired at the end of the 2016 Cup Series campaign, set to compete as part of Ram's Free Agent program at Daytona next month.

Stewart will be driving the No. 25 Kaulig Racing Ram truck at the event, which will mark his first outing in the Truck Series since 2005.

“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck. So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate,” Stewart explained.

"Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”

Kyle Busch's brutal reaction

Given Stewart's status as a three-time Cup Series champion and a legend of the sport, his return has caused quite a buzz among the NASCAR community.

And, with NASCAR Cup Series stars testing the new horsepower rules at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Tuesday, it was the perfect opportunity to ask them about Stewart's return.

Kyle Busch was one driver in attendance, although he believes Stewart may not even finish the race, such is the bad racing etiquette of some of the younger drivers in the Truck Series.

Asked what sort of a rude awakening Stewart was in for, Busch joked: “I need to get him one of my shirts that I wore there a few years ago where it says ‘the most expensive day of the year for the owners’.

“I hope he doesn’t plan on finishing.”

Busch is not the only driver to have warned Stewart about what he is getting himself into.

Stewart in for a 'rude awakening'

Joe Gibbs Racing star Chase Briscoe has revealed that he and Stewart were hunting last week and that the NASCAR legend was asking him for advice.

"I told Tony he's in for a rude awakening," Briscoe told Racer's Kelly Crandall. "But it should be fun to watch."

The Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway takes place on Friday, February 13, with the action scheduled to take place at 7:30pm ET (FS1).