Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tony Stewart

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

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

2000: Six Race Wins and Bad Press

In 2000, Tony Stewart won a series-high of six races in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, but his on-track incidents, most notably with Jeff Gordon at Watkins Glen, led to some bad press. He also won the Turkey Night Grand Prix midget car event.

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.

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.

2004: Obscenity in a Post-Race Interview

In 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. used an obscenity in a post-race interview at Talladega and was knocked out of the points lead as a result of the penalty.

August 16, 2005: Fined and Placed on Probation

On August 16, 2005, Tony Stewart was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until December 31 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, 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 29, 2007: Second Brickyard 400 Win

On July 29, 2007, Tony Stewart won the Brickyard 400 for the second time, making the winning pass by accidentally bending Kevin Harvick's car. He was later penalized 25 points and fined $25,000 for using obscene language during the victory lane interview.

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.

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.

2012: Controversy after Quicken Loans 400

In 2012, after finishing second in the Quicken Loans 400, Tony Stewart sparked controversy by downplaying Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win and taunting Earnhardt's fans for celebrating the anniversary of his last win.

August 9, 2014: Kevin Ward Jr. Incident at Canandaigua

On August 9, 2014, during a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, Tony Stewart's car struck Kevin Ward Jr. after Ward exited his vehicle and walked onto the track following an earlier incident, resulting in Ward's death due to massive blunt trauma.

September 24, 2014: No Indictment in Ward Case

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 noting that videos showed no aberrational driving by Stewart and that Ward was under the influence of cannabis.

November 12, 2014: Probation Ends

On November 12, 2014, Tony Stewart's probation ended. The probation stemmed from an incident at the October Charlotte race where he retaliated against Brad Keselowski.

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.