LIVE REPORT: Tony Stewart Reflects on NASCAR, Media Tensions, and His Legacy
Former Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner and NASCAR legend Tony Stewart remains one of the sport’s most intriguing and outspoken figures. With multiple championships and accolades to his name, “Smoke” earned a reputation for his fiery personality both on and off the track. His unfiltered comments often made headlines, sparking both admiration and controversy throughout his career.
Stewart’s Raw Emotions and NASCAR’s Strict Rules
One memorable moment came after Stewart’s triumphant win at the 2007 Brickyard 400 on his home track. Ecstatic, he declared, “This one’s for every one of those fans in the stands who pull for me every week and take all the (expletive) from everybody else.” The heartfelt, albeit uncensored, comment highlighted his connection with fans but ran afoul of NASCAR’s broadcasting policies. Stewart was hit with a $25,000 fine and 25-point deduction, courtesy of the strict guidelines against cursing on live TV.
While Stewart’s blunt demeanor occasionally clashed with media members, it wasn’t out of dislike. Instead, he often felt overwhelmed by the immediacy of interviews following races. Reflecting on those days, he explained, “You get out of the car, they’d stick a microphone in your face, and you hadn’t even had time to get over being mad or… talk to the person you’re mad at.”
Stewart acknowledged that NASCAR’s post-race interviews differed from other sports. “Basketball, baseball, and football have a cool-off period before the media comes in,” he noted. “But in NASCAR, it was almost instantaneous—with the adrenaline pumping for three hours and battling 39 other drivers, things were bound to get heated.”
Media Relationships: Then and Now
Despite his past frustrations, Stewart’s perspective has shifted over time. Speaking to Sullivan Town BBQ, he admitted, “I’m much more fond of the media than people think. Even the NASCAR media back in the day—some of them I didn’t like then, but we’re good friends now.” Stewart emphasized that his bond with certain reporters has grown stronger, even as public perception suggests otherwise.
Having transitioned into media himself as a commentator for FOX, Smoke now understands the challenges on both sides of the microphone.
Does Tony Stewart Miss NASCAR?
When asked about his departure from NASCAR, Stewart’s response revealed his enduring affection for fans but also dissatisfaction with the sport’s evolution. After achieving three championships—two with Joe Gibbs Racing and one with his own Stewart-Haas Racing team—Stewart stepped back, citing the unsustainable nature of the business and his disapproval of NASCAR’s charter system.
“The biggest part I miss is the people,” Stewart admitted. “Technology evolves and changes things—it’s just not what it used to be. When I ran it, I feel like I got it on the tail end of when it was the best.”
A New Chapter for Smoke
Now focused on his NHRA racing career and family life, Stewart welcomed his first child, Dominic James Stewart, with wife Leah Pruett earlier this year. Life outside NASCAR seems fulfilling for the former champion, though fans continue to wonder if he might ever return to the stock car world.
As Stewart reflects on his storied career, one thing is clear—his connection to fans and his legacy as one of NASCAR’s most passionate personalities remain unshaken. What’s next for Smoke? Only time will tell.
