Tony Stewart has never been one to mince words — but now that he’s officially stepped away from team ownership in NASCAR, the gloves are completely off.
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-founder of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) recently confirmed the sale of his stake in the once-dominant organization, marking the end of a significant chapter in both his career and NASCAR history. With nothing left to lose or protect, Stewart is beginning to open up publicly — and candidly — about what he sees as the sport’s shifting identity and behind-the-scenes frustrations.
For years, SHR was one of NASCAR’s premier teams, winning championships and fielding superstar drivers like Kevin Harvick. But as NASCAR’s business model evolved — with rising costs, manufacturer politics, charter negotiations, and dwindling sponsorship stability — sources close to Stewart say he grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the sport.
Now free from the PR constraints of team ownership, Stewart is expected to be much more vocal. “There were a lot of things I bit my tongue on for the sake of the organization,” Stewart reportedly told close associates. “But now, I don’t have to sit in those meetings. I don’t have to play nice anymore.”
Industry insiders predict Stewart will use platforms like his racing series (SRX), personal media appearances, and possibly even a new podcast to vent long-held frustrations — especially regarding the balance of power between teams, NASCAR leadership, and manufacturers.
Fans, many of whom have grown weary of corporate polish in the sport, are welcoming the idea of “Old Smoke” returning in his rawest form. Known for his blunt honesty and fierce loyalty to grassroots racing, Stewart’s perspective could reignite fan dialogue and put pressure on NASCAR to address long-simmering concerns from within the garage.
As for what’s next, Stewart remains deeply involved in other forms of motorsports, including NHRA drag racing with wife Leah Pruett and various dirt-track operations. But one thing is clear: Tony Stewart is done playing the political game — and he’s ready to speak his truth, whether the sport is ready for it or not.
