Tony Stewart exposes who created the “hurdles and roadblocks” that’s ruining NASCAR

Hall of Famer Tony Stewart has some cold comments regarding the current situation of NASCAR owing to years of poor decision making.

Tony Stewart exposes who created the “hurdles and roadblocks” that’s ruining NASCAR

Tony Stewart (Via @Tony_Stewart/X)

When three times Cup Series champion Tony Stewart was on the peak of his racing career, NASCAR was also at its peak in terms of viewership and pop-culture significance. But when he retired from in 2016, the sports were struggling to be among the elite sporting series in the world. A struggle which was the results of controversial decision regarding cars and championship format.

Recently the ex-SHR owner/driver discussed the current state of the sport, on his appearance in the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast. Tony Stewart, who cut his last direct ties with the sport by ceasing operations of SHR, admitted that NASCAR’s decisions over the culminated into monster that has put them in box, despite the sport still having a lot factors to be excited about.

There’s so many things and they’ve gone down a path for so long that they have created a monster that’s put them in the box they’re in. There’s still a ton of things every week to be excited about, going to a NASCAR race.

Tony Stewart said via Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast.

He then went onto confess that he hated where the sport was when he retired. After watching it closer as part of the garage as well as a team owner, he understood that all the hurdles and roadblocks NASCAR is facing were self-made making him more frustrated about the mediocre space the sport have found themselves in.

I didn’t like NASCAR when I quit driving, and I started being in the broadcast booth. I’m still a fan of NASCAR, I still like to watch NASCAR races, but I also know the inner workings of it and I know the hurdles and roadblocks that internally NASCAR has created for itself and that’s the part that pisses you off and frustrates you knowing how much better it could be.

Tony Stewart added.

Tony Stewart makes NHRA-NASCAR comparison

During the same conversation, Tony Stewart compared the current NASCAR race day atmosphere to that of NHRA, where he races alongside his wife for the team he owns. He highlighted how there is more fan interactions is happening their and how NASCAR has a lot to learn about from them regarding that factor.

Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart (Via IMAGO)

And then I go to a NHRA drag race and you watch the fans and they can be in the pit area, they’re watching and getting autographs from the drivers and having a blast, and it’s like they’re doing it right. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to do the equation.

Tony Stewart said.

The comment from the veteran confirms he is disappointed by the overall racing atmosphere is the current NASCAR races and is missing the good old days. It would be interesting to see how the NASCAR community is going to respond to the bold comments from one of their all-time great.

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