The special episode of Racers Roundtable was full of fun and games. NASCAR champion Tony Stewart was joined by Linda Vaughn, ‘The First Lady of Motorsports,’ and IndyCar racers Lyn St. James and Sarah Fisher for candid conversations. Topics ranged from the women discussing how they got involved in motorsports to the changes within the industry for female drivers and the many challenges they have faced to make their dream a reality.

However, there were plenty of lighthearted moments as well. Lyn St. James shared some behind-the-scenes information about her encounter with Tony Stewart, prompting the 53-year-old to joke with Linda Vaughn amidst accusations of ‘cheating’.

Tony Stewart engages in banter at Racers Roundtable

In a sport largely dominated by men, it’s refreshing for women to be featured alongside an icon such as Tony Stewart and share their thoughts about the motorsports world. Few female figures in the sport are as accomplished or well-known as Linda Vaughn, Lyn St. James, and Sarah Fisher, making the special episode of Racers Roundtable insightful and fun.

It’s not often his guests leave Tony Stewart speechless, but nonstop conversations around the racing world for women brought about a range of emotions for the NHRA driver

Recalling her encounter with ‘Smoke,’ Lyn. St. James asked Tony Stewart at the Racers Roundtable, “Do you remember when we met? I’m going to tell you cause you said you didn’t. So you talk about the triple crown and you talk about where you know. You were in that moment and then somehow they plucked you in, I think, with Menard to be able to come over to the Indy Racing League, right? We were at Disney and we met at the back of a limousine.”

After a brief second of stunned silence, laughter broke out, followed by Tony Stewart joking, “I wasn’t cheating on you, I promise.” 

Linda Vaughn humorously “Were you cheating on me?” It was a hilarious exchange!

In many ways, the episode felt more like a reunion than a roundtable interview, which was primarily centered on an important, yet often overlooked topic about women in motorsports. By giving them a platform, Stewart ensured their stories reached the mainstream consciousness, with racers helping each other off the track as well.

Sharing her thoughts about the special edition of Racers Roundtable, Lyn St. James said, “That show wasn’t really about women in racing per se. It was, in my opinion, about Tony bringing together three people that I hope, I feel, he respected.” To feel acknowledged by a driver of Tony Stewart’s caliber, considered an ally for women in motorsports, is a refreshing change.

However, apart from the serious, yet important discussions revolving around their journey, the get-together also featured plenty of fun moments, such as ‘Smoke’ defending cheating allegations by Linda Vaughn.

Lyn St. James highlights Pruett’s influence on Stewart

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They say, ‘Behind every successful man is a woman’. When it comes to motorsports, few drivers are as versatile or accomplished as Tony Stewart. The 53-year-old has been there and done that across various disciplines and is currently competing in the NHRA while his wife Leah Pruett focused on raising their newborn son Dominic James Stewart. ‘Smoke’, who co-hosts Racers Roundtable with another champion Danny Sullivan, has featured plenty of legends and active racers, but never an all-female cast until the special episode.

Sharing her thoughts about what may have led to Stewart’s decision to choose three female motorsports icons, Lyn St. James said, “I think Leah’s been a big influence on him. Tony just sent me an email asking if I wanted to be interviewed, and I didn’t even think twice about it. We’ve known each other for a long time. We raced each other in IndyCar, IRL. He was just a kid, but I followed his career. He always said hello when we saw each other.”

Tony Stewart tied the knot with Leah Pruett on 21st November 2021 and everyone considered the pair somewhat of a power couple in the motorsports world. Despite being 53 years old, ‘Smoke’ continues to defy the odds by testing his versatility across various racing disciplines, thanks to Pruett’s sabbatical, and it’s refreshing to see that her influence is also extending beyond the racetrack. For a figure as influential as Stewart, to be an advocate for women in motorsports is a major win, one that other drivers can learn from as well.