“I Have the Right to Remain Silent“ – Tony Stewart Revolts as $750,000 Fiasco Causes Him to Join Veteran and Turn Against NASCAR

Tony Stewart, the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, recently spoke out against the sport’s penalties and appeal process. Notably, with new changes, there is frustration among fans and active drivers about these changes. Stewart has been vocal about his frustrations with NASCAR in the past as well, but this time, his comments came after a combined total of $750,000 worth of penalties that caused him to join veteran Clint Bowyer and turn against the governing body.

Like many other elite sports, NASCAR enjoys a passionate and loyal fanbase. Millions tune in week after week to watch their favorite drivers battle it out on the track. But these changes are not sitting well with the NASCAR community. Discussing the same, even the 3x Cup Series champion Tony Stewart could not control but comment on the same.

Tony Stewart subtly expresses his frustration with NASCAR

Stewart’s comments were made at the Bristol Motor Speedway, where he expressed his frustration with the penalties and appeals that have plagued NASCAR in recent weeks. He stated that while he had an opinion on the matter; he felt that as a team owner; he has the right to remain silent and refrained from expressing his thoughts. In an apparent dig at NASCAR, Tony said, “I have the right to remain silent, and I think I’m better off exercising that right,” implying that NASCAR might come after his team if he expresses his thoughts.

The enforcement of NASCAR’s rules can sometimes result in unintended consequences due to poorly written regulations. This was demonstrated in the case of Hendrick Motorsports‘ appeal, where the Appeals Panel found their hood louvers modifications to be illegal but still restored the team’s championship and Playoff points. To prevent future confusion, NASCAR revised its rules to ensure that the Appeals Panel cannot reject the points penalty component completely if it concedes that a rule has been violated.

Clint Bowyer goes on a rant against NASCAR

After the penalties were imposed on HMS, Kaulig Racing, and Denny Hamlin, their subsequent appeals dominated the headlines and took focus away from the racing action. The 2008 Xfinity Series champion and sportscaster for FOX Sports, Clint Bowyer, commented on the situation, expressing frustration with the continuous penalties and suggesting that Judge Judy be brought in to clean up the mess.

Bowyer also questioned NASCAR’s decision to assess new penalties on two Hendrick cars after the Richmond race and added, “After it’s all said and done, we win the appeal, and then the next week we get a 75-point fine and put us right back in the hole that we’ve been in, if you’re Hendrick Motorsports,” suggesting that it made the organization look petty.

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He added, “I don’t like the penalties, I don’t like the appeal process, obviously somebody’s mad, NASCAR’s mad about all of this.” 

Stewart and Bowyer are not alone in their frustration with NASCAR. Many drivers and fans have voiced their concerns over the lack of transparency in the penalizing and subsequent appeals processes, which seem to be increasing in frequency and severity. As the NASCAR season continues, it remains to be seen if NASCAR keeps up with its strict approach. But one thing is certain—the controversy surrounding this issue is far from over.

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