
via Getty
LAS VEGAS – JANUARY 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet, in the garage during NASCAR testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway January 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS – JANUARY 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet, in the garage during NASCAR testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway January 29, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Custom-made things give a better sense of belongingness. It is very satisfying to have the luxury of having a dear object curated as per choice. NASCAR used to give such luxury to the teams, but the era when craftsmanship was valued is gone now. Earlier, the hoods of cars used to be custom-made as per the requirements. However, the scenario has completely changed. Now, the hoods are supplied by NASCAR.
Three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart loves the cars of old as they display such craftsmanship. In a recent interview, he revealed his inclination towards older cars and said that the new cars don’t have the craftsmanship that the old cars have.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tony Stewart gives reasons why he values craftsmanship
Tony Stewart pondered upon the past years and revealed, “Back then, those guys … when guys built cars in NASCAR in that day and age, they were craftsmen. I mean they were in, making the body, the body panels.”
Now, because of certain regulations, all the teams are bound to buy parts from NASCAR which are not up to the mark.

via Getty
HAMPTON, GA – AUGUST 29: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Bass Pro Shops / Mobil 1 Chevrolet, speaks to the media prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on August 29, 2014 in Hampton, Georgia. Stewart hit and killed sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a dirt track race August 9, after Ward Jr. had exited his car. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Tony sadly pointed out, “Now we buy the pieces from NASCAR and hope they fit when you get them and it doesn’t.
“The craftsmanship isn’t there anymore. They don’t have to do it.”
Read More: After Heated Argument, Tony Stewart Promises to Bring Out “The Dad Talk”
Tony expressed the utmost liking for craftsmanship. However, though he isn’t very fond of the Next Gen cars as they lack craftsmanship, he does like other aspects of the cars.
Trending
Tony reveals the positives of the Next Gen cars
Being a veteran and versatile driver, it is likely for Tony to find positive aspects of any racing car. It does seem that he favors old cars as the drivers and crew could add a little personality to those. However, the Next Gen cars have improved aerodynamics and an improved structure which wasn’t present in older cars to such an extent.
Tony mentioned some aspects that he liked about the Next Gen cars. He said, “The cars look awesome. The new bodies are awesome. The new cars, an appealing car to look at obviously.
“But it’s taken a lot of craftsmanship down with it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It cannot be argued that the present race cars have good dynamics, but lack the craftsmanship and personality of the old cars. However, it is unlikely that the Next Gen cars will compromise on the uniformity that they bring across the lineup.
Watch This Story: “Worth every penny of 3 million”- NASCAR legend and fans unite to celebrate Tony Stewart anniversary
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT