Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tony Stewart

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Tony Stewart.

Tony Stewart, nicknamed "Smoke", is a semi-retired American professional auto racing driver and former NASCAR team co-owner. He achieved significant success in NASCAR, securing four Cup Series championships. Two wins as a driver and another as a driver/owner, plus a further owner's title demonstrate Stewart's impact on the sport as both a competitor and a team owner. Currently, he competes in the NHRA Top Fuel class, showcasing his continued passion for auto racing.

Sections (6)

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

2000: Six Wins and On-Track Incidents

In the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Tony Stewart won six races but finished 6th in the standings due to DNFs and increased competition. He also had an incident with Jeff Gordon at Watkins Glen.

2001: Controversies, Fines, and Probation

In 2001, Tony Stewart faced several controversies, including retaliating against Jeff Gordon at Bristol and confronting a Winston Cup official at Daytona for ignoring a black flag. He also had an incident with a Winston-Salem Journal reporter and confronted an official at Talladega for refusing to wear a head-and-neck restraint. These incidents led to fines, probation, and a reputation as NASCAR's "bad boy."

2002: Winston Cup Championship and Controversies

In 2002, Tony Stewart's Daytona 500 ended early due to a blown engine. He won at Atlanta and Richmond but was involved in a wreck at Darlington, leading to a hospital visit. An altercation with a photographer after the Brickyard 400 resulted in a fine and point deduction. Despite controversies, he won at Watkins Glen and 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 spun out by Brian Vickers, leading to a confrontation. Stewart retaliated by throwing a punch through Vickers' window after the race. This resulted in a $50,000 fine, a 25-point deduction, and probation for the rest of 2004.

2004: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Obscenity Fine

On July 29, 2007, Tony Stewart won the Brickyard 400 for the second time. During the victory lane interview, Stewart was penalized 25 points and fined $25,000 for violating NASCAR's policy on the use of obscene language during interviews during the July 29, 2007 race. This was similar to 2004 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. used an obscenity in a post-race interview at Talladega.

August 16, 2005: Fined for Hitting Brian Vickers

On August 16, 2005, Tony Stewart was fined $5,000 and placed on probation for hitting Brian Vickers after the Busch Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen.

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 were involved in another altercation. Kurt Busch passed Stewart and made contact, sending Stewart into the wall. During the caution, Busch gave Stewart a profane gesture, leading to a $100k fine for Busch from NASCAR. Stewart received a pre-race warning from NASCAR.

July 29, 2007: Second Brickyard 400 Win and Obscenity Fine

On July 29, 2007, Tony Stewart won the Brickyard 400 for the second time. During the race, Stewart made the winning pass by accidentally bending the rear of Kevin Harvick's car. In the victory lane interview, Stewart was penalized 25 points and fined $25,000 for violating NASCAR's policy on the use of obscene language during interviews during the July 29, 2007 race.

June 7, 2009: Stewart Wins Pocono 500

On June 7, 2009, Tony Stewart achieved his first points race win as a driver/owner at Pocono in the Pocono 500, marking the first owner-driver victory in the Cup series since Ricky Rudd in 1998. Stewart also won the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona after a controversial finish by wrecking Kyle Busch.

June 2011: Stewart and Vickers Involved in Retaliatory Crashes

In June 2011, at Infineon Raceway, Tony Stewart intentionally crashed into Brian Vickers, leading to Vickers retaliating by wrecking Stewart as payback. Stewart admitted to dumping Vickers first due to blocking.

2012: Stewart's Incident with Kenseth at Bristol

During the 2012 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol, Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth tangled while battling for the lead on lap 333, resulting in a caution. After exiting his wrecked car, Stewart threw his helmet at Kenseth's car and gestured applause to the fans. This was followed by Danica Patrick wagging a finger at Regan Smith after he turned her into the wall.

2012: Stewart's Comments on Earnhardt Jr.'s Win

In 2012, Tony Stewart led 18 laps at the Quicken Loans 400 and finished second. However, he faced criticism for stating that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win "Is not a national holiday," taunting the Earnhardt nation for celebrating the fourth anniversary of Earnhardt's last win in 2008.

August 9, 2014: Death of Kevin Ward Jr.

On August 9, 2014, at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, Tony Stewart's car struck Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car race under caution, resulting in Ward's death due to "massive blunt trauma".

September 24, 2014: Grand Jury Declines to Indict Stewart

On September 24, 2014, a grand jury declined to indict Tony Stewart on charges related to the death of Kevin Ward Jr., with the District Attorney citing a lack of aberrational driving and Ward's impairment due to cannabis.

November 12, 2014: Probation Ends for Pit Road Incident

On November 12, 2014, Tony Stewart's probation ended, which was a consequence of his pit road incident involving Brad Keselowski at the Charlotte race.

2016: Controversy at Richmond and Final Race

In 2016, at Richmond, Tony Stewart was involved in a controversy after wrecking Ryan Newman. His bid for a fourth title ended after poor finishes. He wrapped up his 18-year career with a 22nd-place finish at the 2016 Ford EcoBoost 400.

April 2018: Settlement of Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In April 2018, the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Ward family against Tony Stewart was settled out-of-court, just before the trial was scheduled to begin; the terms of the settlement were confidential.