Tony Stewart’s Daytona comeback faces unexpected heat from Jimmie Johnson’s cup

The Cup Series’ Daytona 500 is the most anticipated NASCAR race of the year. But with drivers like Tony Stewart stepping in, the Truck Series seems to be leaving a bigger impression. A lot of viewers are actually more eager for the 250-mile event. Not because of the brutal and intense races happening in the series, but because of the legendary and seasoned Cup Series drivers that will be back. Tony Stewart's first appearance in the series in more than 20 years is the focus of all the excitement.

Although his experience was thought to be a dominating factor in the race, new drivers have just been revealed, and one of Jimmie Johnson's LMC drivers will also compete.

New driver's entry in the truck series race at Daytona

John Hunter Nemechek, who has recorded a few top-10 finishes with Legacy Motor Club over the past two years, will make a unique appearance in the Truck Series at Daytona with Halmar Friesen Racing. He will be driving the #62 Toyota for the event, and DriveValue.com is sponsoring his limited entry with the squad. It would be an understatement to say that he is eager for the race.

“I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel in the Truck Series, especially at a place like Daytona,” Nemechek stated.

“I’m extremely grateful to Halmar Friesen Racing and Stewart [Friesen] for the opportunity to drive the No. 62 Toyota. Daytona is such a special track, and any time you get the chance to compete there, it means a lot. I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and having a strong run with the support of HFR and DriveValue.com.”


This will be Nemechek’s 150th race start in the Truck Series. It’s safe to say he has a lot of experience, as in the past decade, he has won 13 races in the series. While Tony Stewart is well-known for having an extended career in the Cup Series, his Truck Series numbers are fewer than Nemechek's.

Tony Stewart to compete with two seasoned drivers

Stewart’s Cup Series experience was the only thing that set him apart in the Truck Series field this year at Daytona. Nevertheless, the participants’ list seems to be getting updated every few days. Henderson Motorsports announced Corey LaJoie, their unique competitor, before John Hunter Nemechek made his announcement. The veteran has raced 276 Cup Series races over the past decade, making him one of the most seasoned drivers on the Truck Series field at Daytona. Furthermore, in the nine Truck races he ran in 2025, LaJoie finished 7th in the top 10. Truly a legendary run, that'll be remembered for years.

His more recent experience in the series will prove to be helpful, particularly when racing against Tony Stewart. Both of them, along with John Hunter Nemechek, will make the Truck Series race at Daytona an interesting run this year.





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