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 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: 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.

2004: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Obscenity

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 completion of 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 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 29, 2007: Brickyard 400 Win and Interview Controversy

On July 29, 2007, Tony Stewart won the Brickyard 400, his second win at his favorite track. The win was controversial, as Stewart made the winning pass by accidentally bending Kevin Harvick's car. Stewart was also penalized 25 points and fined $25,000 for using obscene language during the victory lane interview.

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.

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.

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.

2012: Stewart's Controversy After Quicken Loans 400

In 2012, Tony Stewart stirred controversy following the Quicken Loans 400 by stating that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win "Is not a national holiday," taunting Earnhardt's fans for celebrating the anniversary of Earnhardt's last win.

August 9, 2014: Death of Kevin Ward Jr.

On August 9, 2014, Tony Stewart struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. with his sprint car during a race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Ward had exited his car after a spinout and was walking on the track when Stewart's car hit him.

September 24, 2014: No Indictment in Kevin Ward Jr. Death

On September 24, 2014, a grand jury declined to indict Tony Stewart on charges related to the death of Kevin Ward Jr. The District Attorney stated that videos showed no aberrational driving and that Ward was under the influence of cannabis.

November 12, 2014: Probation Ends

On November 12, 2014, Tony Stewart's probation, stemming from an incident at the Charlotte race, ended.

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.