Retirement? Not in Tony Stewart’s vocabulary. The racing legend, at 52 years old, is showing no signs of slowing down. While he bid farewell to NASCAR in 2016, Stewart has found a new thrill behind the wheel of a dragster and he’s loving every second of it.
Key Takeaway
Despite retiring from NASCAR in 2016, Tony Stewart has found a new passion in drag racing with the NHRA. The shorter races in NHRA have rejuvenated his career and extended his time behind the wheel. Stewart’s commitment to racing shows that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passion.
Revving Up with NHRA
As the only driver to ever win both the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar championship, Tony Stewart is no stranger to the world of speed. Now, he’s taking his talents to the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) as the owner of Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and a driver himself.
Stewart co-founded TSR with his wife, racing star Leah Pruitt, who also drives a Top Fuel dragster. His debut in the NHRA came in 2022, and he has been regularly racing the Top Alcohol dragster this year. With the NHRA Finals just around the corner, Stewart is ready to take on the competition at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, CA from November 9-12.
A New Lease on Racing
When asked how much longer he envisions driving, Stewart reflects on his NASCAR retirement: “From the NASCAR side, I retired at the right time. I haven’t been in a wing sprint car on dirt for a couple of years now and I’m okay with that. The good thing about drag racing is because the run is so short, and the most you’re gonna make in a day is 4 runs, physically it’s not as taxing on your body.”
Unlike the endurance races in NASCAR that last for hours, a typical quarter-mile run in a Top Alcohol dragster lasts just over 5 seconds. Although the acceleration and deceleration can be physically demanding, Stewart believes that the shorter races in NHRA have extended his racing career by years, possibly even decades.
Adding Years to the End
Stewart draws inspiration from fellow racers who have pushed the boundaries of age in motorsports. “Chris Karamesines, ‘The Greek,’ drove into his early 90s, which I thought was absolutely insane. John Force is still winning races in his early 70s,” he remarks.
When questioned about the possibility of racing as a 70+-year-old, Stewart jokes, “I just hope I live another 20 years. At the rate I’ve been going, I feel like I’m a video game on extended play.”
For Tony Stewart fans and racing enthusiasts, make sure to catch the full interview with him to learn more about his journey and don’t miss his upcoming race in mid-November. It’s clear that Tony Stewart’s love for racing continues to fuel his drive for success.
