Tony Stewart Shares Bold Opinion on Daytona 500: “It Doesn’t Mean the Same Now”

NASCAR Hall of Famer questions the race’s modern significance

In a candid and headline-grabbing statement, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has voiced his thoughts on the evolving significance of the Daytona 500, the crown jewel of stock car racing. Known for his unfiltered honesty, Stewart claimed the iconic race “doesn’t mean the same now,” sparking discussion among fans and drivers alike.

The Daytona 500, long considered NASCAR’s Super Bowl and the official kickoff to the Cup Series season, has historically been a defining moment in a driver’s career. However, Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion and 49-time race winner, suggests that the prestige once associated with the race has diminished in the modern era.

“It doesn’t mean the same now,” Stewart reportedly said during a recent media appearance. “When I was racing, winning Daytona was everything—it could make your season. But the sport has changed. The cars, the rules, the mentality—it’s not the same race it used to be.”

Stewart, who never won the Daytona 500 during his celebrated career despite multiple strong performances, has often been vocal about the changes in NASCAR over the years. He pointed to the increasing unpredictability of superspeedway racing and the rise of pack drafting as factors that have diluted the skill component and historical weight of the event.

“Now it feels more like a lottery,” he added. “Anyone can win it on the right day. That’s exciting for fans, sure—but from a racer’s perspective, it doesn’t carry the same weight when luck plays such a huge role.”

Stewart’s comments come at a time when NASCAR is working hard to attract younger fans, modernize its image, and expand its audience through new formats and track venues. The introduction of the Next Gen car, changes to the playoff system, and a more entertainment-focused presentation of the sport have all been met with mixed reactions from veterans of Stewart’s era.

Still, many within the NASCAR community may see Stewart’s remarks as a critique grounded in deep respect for the sport’s traditions. While the Daytona 500 continues to draw millions of viewers and remains a career highlight for most drivers, Stewart’s perspective adds to the broader conversation about how much the sport has evolved—and what might be lost along the way.

Despite never hoisting the Harley J. Earl Trophy, Stewart’s legacy in NASCAR remains untouched, both as a driver and as a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. His words carry weight, and his latest comments are sure to stir debate as the sport continues to reconcile its storied past with a rapidly changing future.