Challenges in the Life of Tony Stewart in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Tony Stewart faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Tony Stewart, nicknamed "Smoke", is a semi-retired American professional stock car racing driver and former NASCAR team co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. He is a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, winning two as a driver, one as owner/driver in 2011, and one as an owner in 2014. He currently competes in the NHRA.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2001: 18-Car Crash at Daytona 500

During the 2001 Daytona 500, Tony Stewart was involved in an 18-car crash on lap 173, which led to him being transported to Halifax Medical Center. Despite this, Stewart recovered to win three more races.

2001: Controversial Season and Confrontations

In 2001, Tony Stewart faced several controversies. At Bristol, Jeff Gordon's "bump and run" led to Stewart spinning him out on pit road, resulting in fines and probation for Stewart. During the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, he confronted an official after ignoring a black flag and had an altercation with a reporter. Additionally, he argued with an official at Talladega for refusing to wear a head-and-neck restraint. These incidents contributed to Stewart's reputation as NASCAR's "bad boy".

2002: Winston Cup Championship win amid Controversy

In 2002, Tony Stewart's Daytona 500 ended early due to a blown engine, but he later won at Atlanta and Richmond. At Darlington, a crash sent him to the hospital, but he started the next race. An altercation with a photographer after the Brickyard 400 led to a fine and point deduction. Despite this, he won at Watkins Glen amidst controversy and ultimately claimed his first Winston Cup championship at the end of the 2002 season.

2004: Altercation with Brian Vickers at Infineon

In 2004, At Infineon, Tony Stewart was involved in an altercation with rookie driver Brian Vickers after Vickers spun Stewart out in retaliation for an earlier collision. Stewart confronted Vickers and threw a punch through Vickers' window, resulting in a $50,000 fine, a 25-point deduction, and probation for the remainder of 2004.

2006: Missing the Chase and Season Finish

In 2006, Tony Stewart missed qualifying for the Chase for the Nextel Cup by 16 points, becoming the first defending champion to do so. He finished poorly at Richmond after a wreck, dropping him out of the top ten, and concluded the 2006 season 11th in points, marking his worst career finish. Despite this, he won three races in the 2006 Chase.

2006: Inconsistent Season and Shoulder Injury

Tony Stewart's 2006 season was marked by ups and downs. He secured early wins at Daytona and Martinsville but also faced periods of bad luck. A shoulder injury resulted from crashes at Charlotte during Memorial Day Weekend races, and he had to be substituted by Ricky Rudd during the Dover race and drive in pain in subsequent weeks.

2006: Worst Cup Season So Far

Up until 2006, Tony Stewart had his worst Cup season, but it was still good enough for seventh in the points standings.

June 4, 2007: Altercation with Kurt Busch at Dover

On June 4, 2007, at the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch had another altercation. Busch made contact with Stewart, sending him into the wall. After the crash, Busch made a profane gesture towards Stewart on pit road, leading to a fine for Busch, while Stewart received a warning.

July 5, 2008: Stewart Falls Ill During Coke Zero 400

On July 5, 2008, Tony Stewart became unwell during the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona and handed his car over to J. J. Yeley, a former teammate, who finished 20th after multiple wrecks.

2008: Feud with Kurt Busch Erupts

In 2008, Kurt Busch tapped Tony Stewart's bumper on the last lap at Richmond, leading to a shoving match between the two after the race.

2008: Near Wreck at Coca-Cola 600

In 2008, during the Coca-Cola 600, Tony Stewart experienced a tire issue with three laps remaining, narrowly avoiding contact with the wall. He was compelled to relinquish the lead to Kasey Kahne to make necessary pit stops.

May 9, 2010: Stewart Loses Old Spice Sponsorship

On May 9, 2010, it was reported that Tony Stewart would lose Old Spice as a sponsor after 11 years of partnership.

June 2011: Stewart and Vickers Incident at Infineon Raceway

In June 2011 at Infineon Raceway, Tony Stewart intentionally crashed into Brian Vickers, leading to Vickers intentionally wrecking Stewart in retaliation.

February 11, 2012: Stewart Narrowly Misses Winning Budweiser Shootout

On February 11, 2012, Tony Stewart almost won the Budweiser Shootout but was passed by Kyle Busch in a close finish.

June 3, 2012: Stewart Involved in 13-Car Crash at Dover

On June 3, 2012, Tony Stewart was caught in a 13-car crash at Dover and finished the race in 25th place.

2012: Stewart Throws Helmet at Kenseth's Car

In 2012 at Bristol in the Irwin Tools Night Race, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth tangled while battling for the lead, leading Stewart to climb out of his wrecked car and throw his helmet at Kenseth's car in anger.

August 5, 2013: Leg Injury in Sprint Car Crash

On August 5, 2013, while leading a sprint car race at Southern Iowa Speedway, Tony Stewart was involved in a multi-car crash that resulted in him breaking both the tibia and fibula bones in his lower right leg. He underwent surgery and was hospitalized.

August 8, 2013: Second Surgery on Broken Leg

On August 8, 2013, Tony Stewart underwent a second surgery on his broken leg, during which a metal rod was inserted into his tibia.

August 19, 2013: Stewart Ruled Out For Remainder of Season

On August 19, 2013, Tony Stewart was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to his leg injury. Mark Martin was signed to drive his car for most of the remaining races.

2013: Leg Injury

In 2013 Tony Stewart had a leg injury and some claimed his poor showing in 2014 had something to do with it, but Tony dismissed these claims.

2013: Leg Injury in Sprint Car

In 2013 Tony Stewart had a leg injury in a sprint car, which he drove again in 2014.

2013: Nationwide Series Win at Daytona and Daytona 500 Crash

In 2013, Tony Stewart won the opening Nationwide Series event at Daytona, but his win was overshadowed by a crash involving Kyle Larson and injuring 28 spectators. The next day in the Daytona 500, Tony Stewart was caught up in an early crash with Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne.

2013: Office Depot Ends Sponsorship with Stewart

In September at Atlanta in 2013, Mike Arning, a team spokesman, announced that Office Depot would not be Tony Stewart's sponsor.

2014: Worst Statistical Year as a Driver

In 2014, Tony Stewart finished his season with a last-place finish at Homestead-Miami, ending his 15-year winning streak. This year marked his worst statistical performance as a driver. However, he did win the Owner's Championship with Kevin Harvick.

2015: Crash at CampingWorld.com 500

During the 2015 CampingWorld.com 500, Tony Stewart crashed on lap 288, resulting in a caution. His teammate Kevin Harvick eventually won the race.

2015: Winless Season and Chase Miss

In the 2015 season, Tony Stewart failed to score a win for the second year in a row and missed the Chase. He did not finish higher than 6th place.

January 31, 2016: Back Injury While Dune Buggy Riding

On January 31, 2016, Tony Stewart injured his back while riding a dune buggy outside of San Diego with Greg Biffle.

2016: Richmond Controversy and Retirement

In 2016 at Richmond, Tony Stewart wrecked Ryan Newman, causing a pileup and ending Newman's chase chances. Stewart's bid for a fourth title ended after poor finishes, and he finished his career with a 22nd-place finish at the Ford EcoBoost 400.

2020: Xfinity Series Return Plans Canceled

In 2020, Tony Stewart planned to return to the now-Xfinity Series for the Pennzoil 150 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course, but plans were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.