Why is Tony Stewart called ‘The Smoke’?

Tony Stewart had the nickname "the Smoke" even before he transitioned to NASCAR and during his IRL days.

Why is Tony Stewart called ‘The Smoke’?

Tony Stewart (Credits: Sportscasting)

Tony Stewart is a revered figure, leaving an indelible mark across NASCAR and various racing formats. Beyond his on-track prowess, fans affectionately refer to the present-day NHRA driver as “Smoke.” The three-time Cup Series champion recently shared the reason behind the moniker and how he earned it. 

Delving into the roots of this iconic nickname, a recent video by Stewart-Haas Racing unveils insights. In this YouTube video, Stewart and his drivers from the Cup and Xfinity teams unravel the enigmatic origin story behind the moniker “Smoke,” shedding light on the intriguing narrative that has become an integral part of Tony Stewart’s legendary persona.

Venturing back to 1991, when Stewart was tearing up the tracks in Sprint cars during his USAC days, the nickname found its roots. “From driving pavement sprint cars,” Stewart reminisces, “I wasn’t very good at throttle control initially with the first team I drove for so just had that haze of smoke off the tire and it stuck.”

The moniker didn’t stop there; it evolved from the initial “Smoker,” a nod to Stewart’s knack for slipping the right rear tire. It transformed into the concise yet iconic “Smoke,” a nickname that followed him into the Indy Racing League, thanks to a loyal crew member who carried it over.

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What was Tony Stewart’s colleagues’ take on the nickname?

As the legend of “Smoke” spread, it became intertwined with Stewart’s racing narrative. Engine troubles, particularly the saga of blowing engines, added depth to the name. His fellow driver, Chase Briscoe, shares an interesting twist, mentioning Stewart’s run in the Chili Bowl under “Smoke Johnson,” contributing to the multifaceted and storied origins of Tony Stewart’s iconic nickname.

Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick
Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick (Credits: Indywire)

According to Kevin Harvick, Stewart was often ‘on the verge of exploding mad,’ hinting at the fiery passion that accompanied his competitive spirit. Cole Custer adds a layer to this narrative, linking “Smoke” to burnouts and the memory of blowing engines during Stewart’s IndyCar days.

But for Stewart, “Smoke” is more than a nickname; it symbolizes resilience and dominance on the asphalt. Despite the challenges, he remains a racing icon, etching victories and championships into his storied career. Stewart reveals a nonchalant response to a question about his favorite food, a snippet that adds a touch of the man’s personality, “Anything, I would say a Pizza.”

In the racing lexicon, “Smoke” has become synonymous with speed, skill, and an indomitable spirit. The nickname, born out of tire smoke and throttle challenges, now carries the weight of a racing legacy. Stewart’s career, marked by the highs of triumphs and the lows of blown engines, solidifies “Smoke” as not just a name but a testament to the grit and determination of a racing legend.

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