The early 40s is the new age bracket when NASCAR drivers start counting their final days as competitive racers. Denny Hamlin at 44 is the oldest NASCAR Cup Series driver heading into the 2025 season, and many believe this year will be his last attempt to win the elusive championship trophy. But what is the age bar for drivers who are done with NASCAR and compete in different series?

Well, NHRA is a good example of that, as we saw Tony Stewart come out of his retirement and compete as a rookie at 52 in the Top Fuel division. Given that his wife Leah Pruett will miss the 2025 season, the 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champ will have another shot as a full-time driver. But how long can Smoke continue to race, and does he see a time when he finally hangs up his boots from racing completely?

Tony Stewart has the fuel to go the extra mile

Call it a miracle or just a blind passion for motor racing; Stewart’s father, Nelson is still going strong at 86. Nelson is no stranger to racing, but despite growing old, he regularly competes in Legends cars and three-quarter midgets. Notably, he has also expressed his desire to compete at the NHRA Sportsman level in 2025, which is welcomed by his entire family. So, this example certainly goes to show that age has no direct correlation with racing.

And this is exactly what Tony Stewart believed in when he shared his take on taking retirement from racing. After all, he is the son of Nelson Stewart, and seeing him go the extra mile is something that fuels the former NASCAR driver. “Well, my father will turn 87 this April, and he’s still driving his race car. So, I feel like genetic wise I’m good to race another 30+ years. It’s obviously different; my wife Leah’s a tough driver in NHRA, and the reason I’m driving, I’m just a replacement driver.” Stewart said this in an interview with FOX35.

Apart from being a race car driver, Smoke has enjoyed a successful career as a team owner. He owned multiple championship-winning NASCAR teams, Stewart Haas Racing, and the TSR Nitro team he runs at the NHRA level. However, if he had to pick between the two roles, Stewart would rather see himself behind the wheel than calling shots as a team owner. This was evident in his choice when he opted to distance himself from NASCAR and focus on his rookie season in the NHRA Top Fuel.

“As long as I can be driving something, I would want to race. I mean, that’s where I’m the happiest, when I get to go to the racetrack. Whether it’s being an owner or being a driver. But I’m definitely happier when I get to put the helmet on and get behind the wheel myself.” Stewart added. So, for all the Tony Stewart fans out there, do not worry, as you’ll be able to see your favorite race car driver on the racetrack as long as he can. Moreover, the current racing schedule fits well with his new role as a father and family man.

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Smoke highlights the importance of off weeks in NHRA compared to his time in NASCAR

Right from the preparation of the Clash in February up until the finale race at Phoenix in November, NASCAR probably has the longest racing season. Apart from a one-off week or an Olympic break, the drivers and teams are putting in the hard yards, which can take a toll on them. While Stewart’s exit from NASCAR can be backed by multiple reasons, family time and resourcefulness on his personal project were something he prioritized.

He and his wife Leah Pruett became first-time parents with Dominic’s arrival, and being invested in NASCAR, he would not have the time to commit himself to start a family. This was highlighted when he shared how NHRA’s long but optimized calendar helps him to balance the role of a driver and a family man as well.

“We’re on track on Friday with two qualifying runs on Saturday, and then the eliminations and races are on Sunday. We’re there at the track for three days, but we only have 20 events a year versus 36 or 38 like we had in NASCAR. Our season starts in March in Gainesville, Florida, and we finish a week after the NASCAR season, so we get two or three weeks of free time in off offseason. But obviously get about 12 or 14 more off weekends in a season.” Tony Stewart explained during the interview.

While the rookie NHRA Top Fuel season was a huge learning curve for Smoke, his fans are rallying behind him to get his first win in 2025.