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.

Anthony Wayne "Tony" Stewart, known as "Smoke," is a prominent American auto racing driver and former co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing in NASCAR. A four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, he secured two titles as a driver and two as an owner, one of which he was the driver himself. Currently, Stewart competes in the NHRA Top Fuel class for Tony Stewart Racing and part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Kaulig Racing.

Sections (6)

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

1996: Struggles to Finish IRL Races

In the 1996-97 IRL season, Tony Stewart struggled to finish, failing to complete the first three races, though he did manage a second-place finish at Phoenix.

1997: Winston Cup Series Deal Falls Through

In 1997, Stewart had planned to move up to the Winston Cup Series driving for Ranier-Walsh Racing; however the deal fell through when Stewart decided he was not yet ready for the move.

2001: Controversies and Probation

In 2001, Tony Stewart faced several controversies, including retaliating against Jeff Gordon at Bristol and confronting a Winston Cup official at Daytona after ignoring a black flag. He also had an incident with a reporter and refused to wear a head-and-neck restraint at Talladega, leading to fines, probation, and the "bad boy" reputation.

2001: Scary Start and Second Place Finish

In 2001, Tony Stewart had a scary start at the Daytona 500 when he was involved in an 18-car crash but recovered to win three more races. He finished second to Gordon in the final points standings.

2002: Winston Cup Championship Win Amidst Controversy

In 2002, Tony Stewart's Daytona 500 ended early due to a blown engine, but he won at Atlanta and Richmond. A wreck at Darlington sent him to the hospital, but he started the next race. An altercation with a photographer after the Brickyard 400 resulted in a fine and points deduction. Despite the controversy, he won at Watkins Glen, controversially, and ultimately won his first Winston Cup championship, driving a Pontiac.

2004: Altercation with Brian Vickers at Infineon

In 2004 at Infineon, Tony Stewart was spun out by Brian Vickers, leading to Stewart confronting Vickers and throwing a punch. As a result, Stewart was fined $50,000, lost 25 points, and was placed on probation for the remainder of 2004.

2006: Ups and Downs of the Season

In 2006, Tony Stewart experienced a season of ups and downs, marked by competitive cars, early wins at Daytona and Martinsville, and a series of unfortunate events. He suffered a shoulder injury from crashes at Charlotte and was temporarily substituted by Ricky Rudd at Dover.

2006: Worst Cup Season

In 2006, Tony Stewart experienced his worst Cup season, finishing 11th in points. Despite early wins and competitive cars, he faced bad luck and suffered a shoulder injury from crashes at Charlotte. He missed the Chase for the Nextel Cup but won three races during the Chase.

2006: Missed Chase for the Nextel Cup

In 2006, Tony Stewart missed qualifying for the Chase for the Nextel Cup by sixteen points, making him the first defending champion to miss it the following year. He finished 11th in points, his worst season finish. He won three races during the Chase.

June 4, 2007: Altercation with Kurt Busch at Dover

On June 4, 2007, Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch had an altercation during the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover. Contact between the two sent Busch into the wall, leading to an enraged Busch giving Stewart a profane gesture on pit road. Busch was fined $100,000 by NASCAR.

July 5, 2008: Coke Zero 400 at Daytona

On July 5, 2008, during the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, Tony Stewart fell ill and handed his car over to J. J. Yeley, who finished in twentieth place after being involved in two wrecks near the end.

2008: Coca-Cola 600

During the 2008 Coca-Cola 600, with three laps remaining, Tony Stewart experienced a tire issue but managed to prevent contact with the wall. This forced Stewart to relinquish the lead to Kasey Kahne for necessary pit stops.

June 2011: Incident with Brian Vickers

In June 2011, at Infineon Raceway, Tony Stewart intentionally crashed Brian Vickers, leading to Vickers retaliating and wrecking Stewart in return. Stewart admitted it was payback for Vickers blocking him.

June 3, 2012: Thirteen-Car Crash at Dover

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

2012: Irwin Tools Night Race Incident

During the 2012 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth collided while battling for the lead, resulting in a caution. Stewart angrily threw his helmet at Kenseth's car after the crash.

August 5, 2013: Leg Injury at Southern Iowa Speedway

On August 5, 2013, while leading a sprint car race at Southern Iowa Speedway, Tony Stewart was involved in a multi-car crash, resulting in a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg after his car collided with a spun-out lapped car. He was hospitalized and underwent surgery.

August 8, 2013: Second Surgery on Broken Leg

On August 8, 2013, Tony Stewart underwent a second surgery to repair his broken leg, which involved the insertion of a metal rod into his tibia.

August 19, 2013: Stewart Out for Remainder of 2013 Season

On August 19, 2013, it was announced that Tony Stewart would miss the remainder of the Sprint Cup season due to his leg injury. Mark Martin was signed to drive Stewart's car for most of the remaining races, with Austin Dillon driving at Talladega.

2013: Daytona Win Overshadowed by Crash

In 2013, Tony Stewart won the Nationwide Series event at Daytona. However, the win was overshadowed by a crash involving Kyle Larson that injured 28 spectators. The next day at the Daytona 500, Stewart's race ended early due to a crash.

2014: Worst Statistical Year and Owner's Championship

In 2014, Tony Stewart had his worst year statistically as a driver, ending his fifteen-year winning streak with a last-place finish at Homestead-Miami. However, he won the Owner's Championship with Kevin Harvick.

2015: Crash at the 2015 CampingWorld.com 500

During the 2015 CampingWorld.com 500, Tony Stewart qualified seventeenth and crashed on lap 288, bringing out a caution. His teammate Kevin Harvick eventually won the race.

2015: Winless Season and Chase Miss

In 2015, Tony Stewart failed to score a win for the second consecutive year and missed the Chase. He did not finish higher than 6th place, marking the first time in his career that he had so few top-ten finishes.

January 31, 2016: Back Injury Riding Dune Buggy

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

2016: Final Season and Retirement

In 2016, Tony Stewart's final season, he wrecked Ryan Newman at Richmond, causing controversy. He was eliminated from the Chase and finished his career with a 22nd-place finish at the Ford EcoBoost 400.

2020: Xfinity Series Return Cancelled

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