The motorsport world is reeling after Tony Stewart, the NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion, dropped a bombshell statement that has sent shockwaves through the racing community. In a candid interview on the “Rubbin is Racing” podcast, Stewart didn’t hold back, delivering a provocative take on the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s crown jewel. His comments, which he admitted might get him “crucified,” have sparked heated debates among fans and insiders alike. Stewart, who stepped away from NASCAR team ownership with the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of 2024, claimed the Daytona 500 “doesn’t mean the same now as it did 15-20 years ago.”
Stewart argued that the race’s prestige has been diluted due to the modern era’s car parity, allowing drivers who wouldn’t typically dominate to claim victory. “Anybody can win,” he said, pointing out that some recent Daytona 500 winners were not among the sport’s elite, often capitalizing on late-race chaos rather than consistent performance. With 49 Cup Series wins and three championships to his name, Stewart emphasized he wouldn’t trade any of his trophies for a Daytona 500 victory, a bold stance given the race’s storied history. “It’s still the marquee event, but the cars are so equal now,” he added, noting that winners often emerge from strategic positioning rather than outright dominance.
This isn’t the first time Stewart has stirred controversy. Known for his fiery personality and unfiltered opinions, he has never shied away from calling out NASCAR’s direction. His recent comments come amidst his shift to NHRA drag racing, where he’s thriving, having clinched the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel regular season championship. Stewart’s exit from NASCAR, coupled with his critique of the sport’s charter agreements as a “joke” in a separate interview, suggests deep dissatisfaction with its current state. He cited ongoing disputes between team owners and NASCAR, particularly the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, as a reason for his departure. “It’s not a direction I want to be part of,” he stated, signaling a permanent pivot to NHRA.
Fans on X have been vocal, with some praising Stewart’s honesty and others slamming him for disrespecting the Daytona 500’s legacy. “He’s right, but it stings to hear,” one user posted, while another called his remarks “a slap in the face to NASCAR’s history.” Stewart’s legacy as a versatile racer—spanning IndyCar, NASCAR, and now NHRA—remains unmatched, but his latest remarks have reignited discussions about NASCAR’s evolution. As he focuses on drag racing and celebrates personal milestones, like the birth of his son with wife Leah Pruett, Stewart seems content leaving NASCAR behind. Yet, his provocative words ensure he remains a polarizing figure, keeping the sport on edge even in his absence.
