Tony Stewart on the death of Dale Earnhardt at the 2001 Daytona 500 and More in Full Interview

[@grain_newports]

I'm still shocked that Tony is so overlooked when it comes to the conversation of best pure racers. Very few people have won championships and races in every series they have entered.

[@TheMichiganmann]

He was one of the last of their kind....

[@cliff4695]

Tony is on the short list of goat status drivers. I don't consider Jimmie Johnson and people say I'm crazy. I always say who did he with other then Knaus? It's crickets. Think of subs of the greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, won the super bowl with 2 different teams. Tony has all the qualifications to labeled THE GOAT

[@nfsking27]

Agreed if someone asked whose your Mt. Rushmore of racing drivers, like across all forms of major motorsports Tony to me is up there.

[@jimmyjam209]

anyone who watched his era knows he was the next AJ Foyt. There hadn't been a driver to do what Tony did since AJ andthat is and was special. My dad helped me understand that, his driver was AJ and when Tony starting running he would always say this is a guy that can drive anyting and race anywhere. Being a sprint car driver is, in my opinion, the most skilled drivers. It is raw power, no computers, nothing but dirt and driver. Today Kyle Larson is Tony without the fiery temper. I started watching in the late 70's... my top 5 from that time to today is, Dale Sr, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, and Kyle Busch. We will never know how Davey or Allan would have affected my list.

[@nfsking27]

@jimmyjam209 that's a good point about Tony Stewart. He really was on an AJ Foyt level projection. To me Tony is in the conversation of GOAT racing drivers. He might not be on mt. Rushmore per say but he's 5th all time for me. Also respect to your list of skilled drivers.

[@GregorySovine-bt9hj]

I miss guys like Tony Stewart in racing. No BS and no filter, earned everything he got.

[@rickarra1833]

Go see dirt track racing, you'll live it. It's still that way

[@guysumpthin2974]

Where’s the interview about the kid he killed on the dirt track

[@sunnybeech74]

@@guysumpthin2974 That never happened you retarded shit-for-brains.

[@sunnybeech74]

@@guysumpthin2974 Just take your keyboard and shove it up your gay ass.

[@joedert8567]

He's still racing sits behind his wife's top fuel seat while she's on maternity leave I guess he grew tired of NASCAR 💩 decided to go straight instead of left lol, plus I'm sure when he gets a few minutes to spare you can find him on the dirt

[@stealthd16]

Not once does he say "I won..", he always says "WE"... says a lot about the man.

[@donkeller1233]

They all say that. It's part of the racer's lexicon.

[@adamferree2756]

@@donkeller1233yeah you are 100% right. I’ve never heard a racer not say we

[@Bizz4r2m0ke]

@adamferree2756 i will say, outside of winning ive heard a few drivers say i instead of we in terms of the teams performance

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@donkeller1233 It’s not a racer’s ‘lexicon.’ It’s a successful person’s professional approach to communicating an understanding of their situational awareness. A successful person is always upping his or her standards, raising the bar to the next challenge, to exceed themselves. As he related the Joe Gibbs conversation when he quit, and contrasting that with his description of those several years of poor performance where he wasn’t happy it’s easy to see that he was a) happy and b) successful when he was actively chasing down his next challenge but was unhappy when merely maintaining or trying to equal his past success. “We” is the efficient word that says “I did it but not all by myself.” Whether Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, Jay Leno,Dale Jr (even now), Tucker Carlson, or Kristi Noem- outlier success is basically never discussed first-person without the “we;” and that’s probably because outlier success doesn’t exist without quality people beside you.

[@jamedlock83]

lmao, he's still a jerk. . . and a murderer who got a free walk

[@Playitstraight44]

I got into Nascar because of Tony Stewart and when he retired, my wife and I quit watching it. When he was there, it felt competitive, like the stakes were always high. That resonated to someone just sitting in their family room watching it. He really transcended the sport by making it feel like you were personally invested in someone who wanted to win by racing hard. It felt like a real match when he was there. I miss him.

[@simplygregsterev]

Same

[@Smckiproductions]

I get what you mean when Jr got hurt and had to retire I semi lost interest but came back as a Kyle Busch fan and now the races are super competitive because the cars are all somewhat the same now

[@dhogs]

Hope you give it another shot. I was out of the sport for about 6 years, came back in, and boy did I miss it

[@Playitstraight44]

@@dhogs I really appreciate the encouragement, but I need someone to root for and Tony gave that to me. I had never been a fan of Nascar before him, but he lent an edge to the sport I had not seen from others. A bit more outspoken, more fierce in his competitiveness, and a boy across the bridge from me locally. So it had some built-in incentives that transcended just liking the sport on its own terms. And I realize there are plenty of drivers that fit that description of competitiveness, but I think he stood out above most. He didn't mind getting in trouble if someone did him dirty. He was like the John McEnroe of racing, if that makes sense.

[@ADGHOU]

Root for Hamlin, he’s basically the new Tony Stewart

[@HAWKSTA24]

As a Stewart fan, this interview brought back so many great memories watching this man race.

[@Primus_fan]

This was an amazing interview. Sure miss seeing Tony in nascar

[@SquiggyWigginz]

I've been in a few races with Smoke on iracing and spoke to him once at Eldora. Down to Earth dude who tells it like it is. Much respect.

[@davidrice3337]

I opened the door for Jerry Clower once at a rodeo - he was such a down to earth fella....

[@SquiggyWigginz]

@@davidrice3337 Troll much?

[@tanyukmarine2141]

Tony is a RACING legend, not just a NASCAR legend.

[@bultacowally]

that got away with manslaughter..... because he was rich. Just like OJ Simpson...

[@da_blade5040]

#FACTS 👍💯🇺🇲

[@rickarra1833]

Absolutely. What he's done for other types of racing, and what Kyle Larson is doing, is what is even more important than what he's already done

[@StraightTruckinSnowman]

Always liked and have the utmost respect for Tony Stewart genuine racers like him make it easy to root for no matter what he's driving.

[@candyrbennett]

Being a Earnhardt fan there wasn't but a very few that I would say I liked. But always liked Tony, If I would have followed Nascar after Dale died I would have pulled for Tony! This interview shines a kind of different light on him than most. Great interview!

[@jasonjones5171]

Fabulous Interview. Mr. Patrick is just so good at interviewing people. And Tony will always be Tony. Love him or hate him, how can you not respect his accomplishments? Glad I found this.

[@jimparker7778]

Tony drove cup races during an era when the sport was stacked with great teams, money and talent.

[@coreytyler6066]

It's weird how you never liked someone (Tony Stewart), but now that you listen to him tell his stories and that you miss him on the track, that you realize you actually like the guy.

[@tritontransport]

Happens for a lot of drivers as they age and mature as do you through the years. Not all drivers mature as they get older though. Such as Denny Hamlin. The older he gets the more he pouts, complains and whines and about the most benign minuscule things

[@JohnSmith-mk5jt]

​@@tritontransportFor sure. Same thing happened with Kurt Busch

[@Snakeman612]

Speak for yourself man...I still don't care for this guy...U just know he's a prick

[@Snakeman612]

Speak for yourself man...I still don't like the guy u just know he's a prick

[@Bizz4r2m0ke]

​@tritontransport you must not have paid much attention to Denny in his younger years. He used to complain way more than he does now. Only difference is now he has a bigger voice in the sport.

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

I was not a fan of Smoke in the beginning of his NASCAR career. BUT my respect and admiration for him over the years have made me a fan, not only of his driving but more so of him as a person.

[@AWilliamson1706]

me too nascar will miss him soon i have for years, was lucky enough to meet him several time , last time i saw him he won the all star race

[@AWilliamson1706]

sorry was always a fan

[@chrisrice2083]

This interview was absolutely awesome to watch and Dan Patrick is absolutely the king of interviews

[@chipperg25]

He signed a Home Depot jacket for me after his first championship. On his way to the Nascar beach cruise!! Nice guy!!

[@mikaldene7146]

I took my wife, back in Tony's Rookie year, to see him and get his White Home Depot with Yellow Rookie Stripes on the rear bumper signed in person at the Palmetto Center in Greenville, SC. She was ecstatic and I got the photo of Tony signing the car and her huge smile. I still have the wife, the car, and the photo. Thanks Tony for that special moment...You the Man!

[@WhiteKnight5775]

I never knew of Mike Wallace's accident. How horrible. I love Tony Stewart, always have.

[@YouthIncSports]

He was an amazing interview for Undeniable

[@anthonylaudano9435]

​@@YouthIncSportsPEOPLE DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND RACING AND DALE EARNHARDT SR WRECK VS TONY STEWART'S ARE 2 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WRECKS DALE EARNHARDT SR HIT THE WALL PROBABLY GOING 170MPH AND TOO A COMPLETE STOP AND TONY'S WRECK HAD A CHANCE TO ÐISAPATE THE ENERGY AND IF DALE HAD A HANS DEVICE ON HE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LIVED AND WHAT A WAY TO END A CRAZY CAREER.

[@JK-g62]

​@@YouthIncSportsi think hes an amazing interview no matter where he is doing it but...i agree...this was a great one! Thanks for doing it and sharing it!

[@rpm2085]

Tony seems like such a humble guy. A lot different than the media made it seem like he walked around as,a hot head all the time.

[@davidcahan]

He's so much more mellow than I (for some reason) expected him to be

[@paulelliott682]

Coach Gibbs helped him with Patience. Sticker on dash

[@timringgenberg2844]

What a fantastic interview. Dan is so easy to listen to and Tony has always said what he thinks.

[@bwca4454]

Not being an avid NASCAR fan I had only observed the hype about Tony Stewart and his wild man type behavior. Watching this interview dismissed all the media hyped Armadillo Shit in my mind about Stewart to reveal a collected, yet intensely focused, individual.

[@georgeesquivel8623]

Love the show,yeaaa remember his first year at NASCAR!!!LOVE SMOKE!!

[@RickEarthplay]

Tony Stewart is my hero.

[@Richard-ht7ec]

Tony Stewart is the only driver that won a race i was at in 2011 i drove 1375 miles to watch Tony win race and championship...awesome Tony

[@davecarsley8773]

He was the only guy who won that race??? Wow!

[@Richard-ht7ec]

@@davecarsley8773 no shit

[@lets-go-larson5]

THIS is what we need in modern day NASCAR, drivers to get out of their comfort zone and appear on stuff like commericals, talk shows, regular shows, stuff like this.

[@kimbojonas]

I liked the video interview. It's always good to hear successful individuals explain their career & rise to being great. Smoke should get respect on any track after his accomplishments.

[@kenmahon711]

This is an Incredible Interview. Love It

[@frankcastle5294]

You might not like his cockiness or his temper or his off-the-cuff remarks but you must admit he's one of the greatest pure drivers America has ever produced.

[@petrpumpkineater]

I don't like when he killed a guy

[@frankcastle5294]

@@petrpumpkineaterI agree. I'm no Stewart fan. Him killing Kevin Ward was a disgrace.

[@billroberts9044]

​@@frankcastle5294he should have never exited his car and ran out in the shaddows as cars are coming by.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@billroberts9044True. You want to stay in your car when a murder is loose on the track.

[@sunnybeech74]

@@petrpumpkineater He never killed anyone you moron.

[@kaymad143]

I met Tony when he came to New Smyrna to race in Bobby Fuller's modified car, he was going to run to run the Joe Gibbs car, he won the first modified race there and one or two more, I had no idea who he was! I also went out to Indy to watch him run an indoor go-kart race, Bones Bourcier was a mutual friend of ours, we had a blast out there. When I saw him at Daytona after he had been running the Gibbs car, I met Joe Gibbs, that was amazing. I worked for the Nascar Modified Series for a bunch of years and I always liked seeing him. Tony is a great guy! I remember being worried about the crash he had at the 500 with Bobby Labonte, I went to Bones Bourcier and asked if Tony was alright and he assured me that he would be okay. Later Dale Earnhardt was killed and that was so shocking. I cried over that loss to the racing world for at least a week.

[@edblevins681]

I miss watching Tony race in NASCAR, I remember the five straight races he won when he had to get into the championship .

[@briancanterberry3085]

I have and ALWAYS will be the biggest JEFF GORDON fan but how can you not like Tony Stewart? All he wants to do is compete with 150% and do it to everything he has. I have attended several NASCAR Cup Races where he won and I hated it. Looking back I was fortunate to have been and seen him and all the other legends.

[@30AndHatingIt]

I had no idea Tony accidentally viewed Dale, who was clearly dead. I thought Shraeder and emergency personnel were the only ones.

[@justinb5797]

Tony's last championship he drove like a mad man next level those 10 races

[@BigWood3131]

Absolutely a Great guy that was able to accomplish goals at every level and continues

[@dawgsview9276]

A small part of your story. Although proud to have been there. 2006 RPM promoters show. 7 year’s with BigJohn on the west coast. Huge fan. Living my life knowing I was witness is HUGE! . Next up 4me cook on a tug boat. #feel blessed.

[@ironmule5200]

His groundskeeper is pretty cool too...helped me change a flat tire on my truck on the road outside his house! It was as close as I'll ever get to a Nascar pit stop!!

[@natemiller448]

God Bless you, Mike Wallace...to endure such a tragedy and have self-awareness to use it to help someone else. That is selflessness to a high degree.

[@stevereed8786]

Good to hear Stewart's explanation on the accident that ended the life of Kevin Ward who made the mistake of challenging Steward on a Sprint Car Race that followed with Stewart's retirement from NASCAR.

[@scarecrow_9895]

He lied. He crashed Ward and could clearly see the track went under yellow going into turn one. All the other drivers saw the yellow but him? Lies.

[@stevereed8786]

It's @@scarecrow_9895clearly recorded so we all see what actually happened. This event will follow Stewart for the rest of his life and nothing can ever change that. It was an accident. It was inevitable and everyone predicted something was going to happen eventually.

[@sunnybeech74]

@@scarecrow_9895 Go away you ignorant asshole.

[@sunnybeech74]

@@scarecrow_9895 That was Ward's fault 100%, now go away troll.

[@scarecrow_9895]

@sunnybeech74 he had to pay off the wrongful death law suit with his own money, his track insurance wouldn't cover a wrongful death claim.

[@MichaelHicks03]

Excellent interview

[@larrylegg8245]

Thanks for the ride, Tony. I've watched you through it all. After DE, you were always my favorite. Keep it up.

[@arlichar11]

im from his town, never heard of him until he was racing both races same day, at that time in indiana Indy car was still king, no matter how u feel about him, he clearly is a legend in racing...

[@TheMichiganmann]

Could listen to tony talk all day

[@JoeFromThatPlace]

This one was fascinating. Ilove these interviews

[@andyfrancis5277]

Now thats a Hoosier! Talk about a life experience, the majority of us go through our day to day concentrating on our own little reality. To have and make the opportunities, to see the possibilities and have the balls and brains to act on them and the tenacity to make them successful, now thats grabbing the bull by the horns and digging your heels in. No matter what though, he never lost the passion for the sport, he only came to be a bigger part of it. I saw a video of him making his first pass in a top fuel rail. I know there was an ear to ear smile (not just because of the g's he was pulling) and that feeling of a whole new experience in something with 4 wheels that I'm sure he hasn't felt in a long time. THAT, is the definition of a racer.

[@julesmum9781]

Yep so many people who made it to the top of their game or craft came from Indiana and southern Indiana within a few miles of each other. Tony Stewart, John Mellencamp and I guess we adopted Peyton Manning. Peyton will always be a Colt

[@waynerabideau6693]

Thank you Dan for the last 35 years of my life giving me the best in sports entertainment. Smoke is one of my all time favorite athletes. Absolutely number 1 racer.

[@gozorak]

All these years later I had completely forgotten Tony's frightful accident because of the shock of Earnhardt's tragic death.

[@Smckiproductions]

Honestly I always forget it till I see clips because that race is so overshadowed by the last lap/Sr’s death

[@joeferraro5495]

Now Tony is tearing up my fav sport of drag racing, guy is the 🐐

[@Cheeseburger7471]

Great interview! Tony is awesome.

[@chadmorin6544]

I've always been a huge fan from day one. It was a few years later especially after Dale passed away how much our father loved Tony Stewart. For his 69th Birthday I surprised him with a 2013 Stewart Race jacket in a case of oil with a few litres to ad weight on each side and calenders to hide the jacket. Out in the backyard of a warm May Day he's shoe and sockless unwrapping this box going through the calenders until he noticed the black of the race jacket. Jacket comes out he puts it on, feels the quality of the material and embroidery knowing he's got a real deal jacket. Remote comes out of his pocket as he fires up over 700hp of his black 2010 Camaro. No socks or shoes goes to the car and I say I need a quick photo Within moments he's on the highway enjoying over 700hp of his Camaro, no socks or shoes wearing his Tony Stewart Race Jacket and large smile from ear to ear.

[@jonathanyoung9369]

1:15 Growing up in Texas 5:43 Midget racing 11:14 Rookie year in Nascar 17:04 Winning the Triple Crown 23:28 Stormy Daniels Controversy 31:06 Moving to Rhode Island 38:51 Death of Dale Earnhardt 46:08 Death of Kevin Ward, Jr. 46:09 Death of Princess Diana 48:43 Growing up in California 51:03 Future of Nascar Senior Series

[@TheAlmightyClipse]

That's why I love videos like this. You hear things that have never been out there before. I had no idea Tony Stewart was here in Australia in the 90's.

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

Tony Stewart is the most Dale Earnhardt esque driver NASCAR has ever had.

[@Presley3]

Thanks for all the memories *Smoke*

[@DBRWholesale]

great interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianfouts2960]

Nice interview loved hearing about his life.

[@cld3761]

I live close to Knoxville, IA, but haven't gone to Nationals. Have seen his suite. Loved watching Tony race.

[@johnkidd1226]

My buddy was a great driver with a low budget. He always said the best races he ever drove were taking a 20th. Place car and finishing top five. If you've got a car that can get to the front, it's not that hard to stay there. As he said "My car gets reeeeal wide when I'm leading".

[@vppnbrent]

Loved and hated Tony.. That death was not his fault but he took the heat and blame for it. A real stand up guy and I have tons of respect for him.

[@wyliestivers2634]

I love the Prius comment...totally agree because it's the fact basically ALL OVER the US.

[@jackmanbussey]

What a Guy . Go get Em Smoke !

[@bobwilson758]

The Home Depot Pontiac looked great and Tony drove the hell outa that car ! We were cheering !

[@acrock21]

i never really liked Tony because he was always enemy to my favorite drivers on the track... but i really felt horrible for him when Ward ran infront of him... and understanding how impossible the car would of been to just "change trajectory" and what the media said about it drove me insane... its sad they really harassed him... he had many more races to win in cup and this was what got in the way... not to forget his broken leg either... he had it really hard in those times... i was really happy when he won at sonoma.

[@blueyedmedic911]

Tony if u read this. I’m gonna give u 1 hell of a complement. The best to ever do it and it’s just like your answer. A racer who can will a 5th place car to victory. The best to ever do it was Dale Earnhardt. You were never my favorite driver but I put you #2. Although I didn’t pull for you I pulled against you tv audience can see greatness and pure talent when they see it. 3rd is a man i really disliked until last year. Kyle Bush. I see a little of Dale and Tony all wrapped up in Kyle. I think when Kyle got away from Joe Gibbs his whole personality changed. I now pull for roudy. Anyway love watching you in the divisions you race now. Love love your series of racing on tv with legends from all backgrounds. It’s better than nascar now. Rock on Tony.

[@rickyhood2020]

Tony, you were the TV personality that broadcast the MMRA FUTURESTARS from Anderson. I almost walked away very you as we were trying to take our equipment to our trailer. You were so respectful when you asked if you could help. Wee were the 85 car.

[@markim5087]

Great video.

[@toddmorris4924]

Thanks great info. We miss HH

[@addicted4life575]

I appreciate you asking Tony about that fatal accident. I haven’t seen him asked about that. I think Tony seen him, and intentionally swerved at him, but never tried to run him over. The dirt track wheels stick out ridiculously further than a stock car. I couldn’t imagine having to go through what he has had to, or the family of the other driver. RIP.

[@michaelhutchinson9413]

Only Smoke knows the real score . A fellow driver died-Tony will live with that the rest of his life. Can’t unring that bell-Ever!

[@walkerking3875]

big Tony Stewart fan. I still have a Home Depot hat I got in 1999

[@CaptainRon1913]

I was at that Richmond race... If I remember right, it was the first nascar race I'd ever been to

[@justinbrittmotorsports]

This video should be seen by everyone who loves racing🙌! This is a subject that I’ve wanted to hear from racers and their thoughts. Max touched on something here. 602 Dirt late model is the cheapest way to go dirt late model racing. This coming may, there’s a 50k to win 602 dirt late model race. It’s unheard of, on the grass roots asphalt racing, there’s no purses paying that, maybe a couple. Dirt racing pays big, but it’s hard trying to drive a racecar that’s out of control 95% of the time. I’m a fan of both types of racing. I’m a son of a racecar driver who drove on both. Guys, you delivered a great episode! See you guys at New River!!!

[@georgeesquivel8623]

Awesome show love the content blessings ❤

[@paulstark6818]

That was a magnificent doco shire is tough industry to be in nice to see his success ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@play4u67]

@10:35 he mentions that they raced sprint cars in Hanford, California. My son was born in Lemoore, California in 85'. I had no idea that he raced in the "area" of Lemoore back then, wish I had, I'd have gone to one of his races. I was a HUGE NASCAR fan even back then. My ex-husband thought I was crazy for loving NASCAR as much as I did (he was never a racing fan other than horse racing, which I wasn't fond of).

[@frankrice5364]

Awesome driver awesome story

[@chrisnelson2796]

The best interview ever! I just dropped the mike!!

[@jimlechuga3193]

I went to the Daytona 500 every year from 2001-2007, Dale Sr. Was my driver then Junior. I never liked Stewart the person but I feared him as a driver because I knew he had the talent to win that race each year.

[@georgeesquivel8623]

Loved it!!!!!!

[@dannymcglone7430]

I was a huge Dale Sr fan,yes I cried that night,But I respect Tony a lot more now.

[@Turningwrenchs]

Racing is living free but when that music stops its tough.

[@vppnbrent]

Amazing guy. Congrats Tony.

[@RETIREDBADBOY55]

Tony can race anything that can be raced. He's a pure "racer." I'd love to see him go race at Daytona one more time.

[@georgedreisch2662]

This is what a interview is supposed to be. When was this? Would have been even better if it got into current Tony affairs, marriage, family plans, drag racing…

[@mattskibba190]

Dan is the man, everything he does im in. Bro mace ❤

[@wayneanderson4499]

I love that he always says "we won"...... Never "I won" .

[@rvegasguy_5216]

I thought he retired but he's open to a one off race. That's cool.

[@andrewblackie7170]

All those guys you were going to whoop in the next few years. Tony Stewart multiple Champion, & one of the greats.

[@InsideTrackMotorsportNews]

I was in a media scrum around Dale Jr., in the garage after the 500, when they tapped him on the shoulder and told him he needed to go. Not too long after, Tony Stewart's guys were back from the hospital and word quickly spread (from them) about Dale Sr. being gone. That was a few hours before Mike Helton walked into the crowded old Benny Kahn media room, to tell us what we already knew.

[@USAIII-bs9cj]

John Andretti did the double duty Indy-Charlotte races before Stewart did it in 1994

[@robynhendrickson2801]

I wish NASCAR was what it was it use to be. We all had our favorite drivers and it was just pure racing. I stopped watching when Dale Earnhardt died. Things just to different for me.

[@bobwilson758]

I was at Disney World track with my wife and we were watching Tony all race long - amazing Run and he spanked ‘em that day ! Kind of a triangular track - that I had never seen before . Very high speeds - stunning speeds from Tony’s car . Very fun to watch . IRL was new stuff -

[@chrishedge887]

NASCAR is woefully short of Racers of Tony’s kind. His passion to win was similar to Ironhead’s. That’s why I became a lifelong fan of Smoke.

[@liquidninja04]

This one hits deep. The relationship Tony had with his dad was just like mine, except my dad worked for a total crook and I had no idea.

[@LorenHenderson-r5i]

Now let’s here the story of the time he killed a dude in the race car, I had the opportunity to ask him that, I work in healthcare he came to my hospital for a surgery and I got to meet him before and after the surgery. I made sure I had my drivers hat on that day, he gave me shit but he’s a ok guy. But we were talking as I was taking him to the OR floor on the bed and we were in the elevator alone mid conversation , and I asked him if he regretted hitting that kid. He didn’t respond and wouldn’t even look me in the eye afterwards until after the surgery. But he did shake my hand and sign stuff for my buddy who was a smoke fan. And leaned in and said you’re the only person who’s ever had the balls to ask me that question to my face in public. And he said yes, every day and then got into the limo. Didn’t hurt I’m 6’4 and 350lbs but I could see he felt it. Felt like I got to meet the real person then.

[@dangabor8585]

Tony "IS" the essence of what it takes to be the best.

[@scottcampbell748]

My dad and I had a towing company we used to go to PIR for the copper world race with our boom truck and work the corner with it we got in got free !!picked up Tony’s midget he spun and backed it into the wall when we dropped the car back at his pit I never would have thought at that point Tony would become one of the best in the game ,he was pretty mad !!tore the car up pretty good !! I think Gordon won the feature that day, was fun to be there with my dad we loved going to copper world together miss those days and my dad a lot Tony is a great driver I like the guy

[@toddmatson4179]

I miss the days with the Earnhardt...Stewart’s...Pettys...Allison’s..etc...NASCAR is very generic and the drivers are also

[@spfadden082711]

I got box tickets to a race quite a few years ago. Probably 08. Wasn’t really a fan but went for the cool seats and free food. By the end I was totally all about it. Tony was winning and was one of the only ones who didn’t pit. He came around the 3rd turn on the second to last lap and ran out of gas. I felt bad for him. He was doing so well the whole race

[@1Buckluck]

One of the GREAT!!!

[@Robert-tu9ec]

Guys like Stewart are in the business of driving race cars, not being bubbly personalities and people pleasers.