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Jake Garcia Apologizes After Lap 36 Daytona Crash That Ended Tony Stewart's NASCAR Return

Stewart praises Kaulig’s preparation, stating he has no further 2026 starts scheduled.

Overview

  • On Lap 36 exiting Turn 4 at Daytona, Garcia’s No. 98 snapped loose in the pack and clipped Stewart’s No. 25, sending Stewart into the wall and out of the race.
  • Garcia issued a public apology to Stewart and the No. 25 team, explaining the truck lost side force in the flattening transition off Turn 4 typical of superspeedway handling.
  • Stewart was credited with 36th after retiring, while Garcia continued for a time but ultimately did not finish.
  • Stewart commended Kaulig Racing’s rapid Truck program build, noting 3D‑printed body panels used for wind‑tunnel baselines, and he left the door open to future returns despite no 2026 plans.
  • Fans criticized Garcia on social media, as attention shifts to Atlanta for his rebound effort; Chandler Smith won at Daytona ahead of Gio Ruggiero and Christian Eckes.