Tony Stewart Finally Breaks Silence on Steve O’Donnell’s Trash Talks Targeting SRX Series

Hall of Famer Tony Stewart has broken silence on beef with Steve O'Donnell over the NASCAR presidents SRX series comments.

Tony Stewart Finally Breaks Silence on Steve O’Donnell’s Trash Talks Targeting SRX Series

Tony Stewart and Steve O'Donnell (Via @tonystewart/X and motorsport.com)

In Short
  • Tony Stewart addressed Steve O'Donnell's derogatory comments about his SRX Series during a media session.
  • Stewart confirmed he has no plans for additional NASCAR races, prioritizing family time instead.
  • He expressed contentment with not winning the Daytona 500, focusing on his current life as a family man.

The two Steve’s of NASCAR found themselves in the hot waters during the 23XI-FRM charter lawsuit after their personal chats became public documents. Commissioner Steve Phelps was exposed for calling Richard Childress a “stupid redneck” eventually leading to his resignation. President Steve O’Donnell was caught for trashing Tony Stewart’s racing series.

Former Cup champion Tony Stewart’s SRX Series that was broadcasted via ESPN at its peak was seen as serious threat to NASCAR by Steve O’Donnell. In the text revealed, the sport officials were seen discussing sanctioning Cup drivers for crossovers and were even caught calling the championship a “trash series.”

Tony Stewart, who is making a Cup comeback after a decade with Daytona appearance for Dodge in the Truck Series, was asked about it during his media session. He admitted that till the press conference, he didn’t see Steve O’Donnell and admitted in the notorious Stewart fashion that he has some words for him if they meet eye to eye.

I have not had that pleasure yet…I’m going to do my deal. If I run into Steve O’Donnell, then he’ll have to deal with that part. I’m gonna go do me and I don’t really care what he does this week.

Tony Stewart said via Bob Pockrass on X.

Tony Stewart confirms he has no plans to start further NASCAR starts

After retiring from NASCAR over a decade ago, Stewart has been keeping himself busy with appearances in sprint car series and racing in the premier drag racing series alongside his wife Leah. He has one of the busiest schedules he has ever had, after becoming a father.

Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart (Via IMAGO)

After the announcement of the Daytona return, some in the racing community thought this might be the start of more NASCAR commitments from Stewart. They were expecting to see him back as Smoke hasn’t been involved in the sport directly since Stewart Haas Racing ceased its operations.

So, when asked about potential making more starts in the NASCAR races, the veteran was quick to answer. Stewart asserted that he has to spend more time with his family and doesn’t want to overbook himself. Hence, he no future plans of racing in stock car series.

I have a wife and a son that also like those gaps as well, and would prefer that I not keep booking those gaps open. I’m getting ahead of you. I’m not planning anything else.

Tony Stewart said.

In the same conversation, he was asked about potentially racing in another Daytona 500, considering in his long Cup career he has never won the crown jewel race. All his Daytona wins came in the summer racer and the veteran has previously admitted that he would not give up one of his championships for win the most significant race in the sport’s history.

We can lead every lap tomorrow night and I will not be back here for the Daytona 500. I’m pretty good after all these years of saying never. You will not see me here for the Daytona 500.

Tony Stewart said.

The Hall of Famer is content with the fact that Daytona 500 win will never be part of his NASCAR legacy. He is enjoying the new chapter of his life as a family man and the whole racing community is happy for him.

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