NASCAR Legend Tony Stewart Speaks Out On Shock Exit

NASCAR's illustrious history has seen many drivers come and go, but few have left a mark like Tony Stewart. Known as "Smoke," Stewart is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and a revered figure in stock car racing. Recently, Stewart has opened up about his decision to step away from NASCAR, selling his team's charters and ending his direct involvement in the sport. Stewart spoke about what he truly misses from his storied career.

With a racing history that includes being the only driver to win both IndyCar and NASCAR championships, his legacy is firmly entrenched. His achievements extend beyond the track, with his co-founding of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2002 alongside Gene Haas. Under his leadership, SHR has fielded prominent drivers and bagged significant victories, including multiple Cup Series championships and numerous race wins. However, Stewart's interest in NASCAR began to wane, influenced by personal life changes and challenges within the sport itself.

At the Sullivan Old Town BBQ, Stewart reflected on his NASCAR past, touching on the aspects he misses. He explained:

"No. I mean, the biggest part I miss is the people. The people are the part I miss. It's like anything else. Technology comes in and evolves and it changes and it's just not what it used to be when I ran it."

Stewart's decision to step away wasn't made lightly. While changes in personal life, such as his marriage to Leah Pruett and the birth of their child, played a role, the landscape of NASCAR itself is drastically different now. The difficulties in securing sponsorship, coupled with financial strain due to the loss of key sponsors, further complicated his involvement with SHR. His inability to bring Kyle Larson onboard in 2020, despite his interest, led to a shift in how Stewart viewed his NASCAR future.

Stewart went on to add his views on the evolution of NASCAR and its future trajectory, stating:

"When I ran it I feel like I got in on a tail end of when it was the best. So, what they're doing now, they're doing what they're doing for the reasons they're doing it, but I don't know that I agree with all of it. But it's a sport that's going to make it a long time."

Despite his reservations, Stewart acknowledges the longevity of NASCAR, even if its current path doesn't entirely align with his vision.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Regular Season

• Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) - 8 p.m., FOX
• Feb. 16: Daytona 500 - 2:30 p.m., FOX
• Feb. 23: Atlanta - 3 p.m., FOX
• Mar. 2: Austin - 3:30 p.m., FOX
• Mar. 9: Phoenix - 3:30 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 16: Las Vegas - 3:30 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 23: Homestead - 3 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 30: Martinsville - 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 6: Darlington - 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 13: Bristol - 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
• Apr. 27: Talladega - 3 p.m., FOX
• May 4: Texas - 3:30 p.m., FS1
• May 11: Kansas - 3 p.m., FS1
• May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) - 8 p.m., FS1
• May 25: Charlotte - 6 p.m., Prime Video
• June 1: Nashville - 7 p.m., Prime Video
• June 8: Michigan - 2 p.m., Prime Video
• June 15: Mexico City - 3 p.m., Prime Video
• June 22: Pocono - 2 p.m., Prime Video
• June 28: Atlanta - 7 p.m., TNT
• July 6: Chicago street course - 2 p.m., TNT
• July 13: Sonoma - 3:30 p.m., TNT
• July 20: Dover - 2 p.m., TNT
• July 27: Indianapolis - 2 p.m., TNT
• Aug. 3: Iowa - 3:30 p.m., USA
• Aug. 10: Watkins Glen - 2 p.m., USA
• Aug. 16: Richmond - 7:30 p.m., USA
• Aug. 23: Daytona - 7:30 p.m., NBC

Playoffs

• Aug. 31: Darlington - 6 p.m., USA
• Sept. 7: St. Louis - 3 p.m., USA
• Sept. 13: Bristol - 7:30 p.m., USA
• Sept. 21: New Hampshire - 2 p.m., USA
• Sept. 28: Kansas - 3 p.m., USA
• Oct. 5: Charlotte road course - 3 p.m., USA
• Oct. 12: Las Vegas - 5:30 p.m., USA
• Oct. 19: Talladega - 2 p.m., NBC
• Oct. 26: Martinsville - 2 p.m., NBC
• Nov. 2: Phoenix - 3 p.m., NBC