In a thrilling showdown of prime-time racing action, the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series made its grand debut on ESPN, reigniting the legendary Thursday Night Thunder on July 13. Stafford Speedway hosted the SRX Series, with back-to-back race weekends following a cancellation at Thunder Road Speedbowl.
The main event at Stafford Speedway saw some drivers grappling with braking issues, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition, while the 2011 NASCAR Cup Series champion was heard threatening his fellow racers.
Outsmarted on the track: Tony Stewart’s bold warning to Andretti
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Tensions escalated as Marco Andretti made contact with Tony Stewart’s bumper. After the intense race, Stewart had strong words for Andretti, issuing a warning in a post-race interview with ESPN. Stewart delved into the technicalities of the race, mentioning the advantages of the radials used this year. He noted that the pace was quicker with these tires, leading to increased brake usage.
Despite praising Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti for their performances, Stewart couldn’t hide his frustration with Andretti’s aggressive driving style. “If you watch this replay, I’m gonna start using your a** up, bud!’
When asked whether this was payback, Stewart replied, “I’ll move him when necessary. That seems to be his MO, so he’s gonna get a dose of it back.”
Marco Andretti, on the other hand, defended his actions, explaining that his brakes were sticking long, causing the unintended collision with Stewart. “He backed the corner up, and the pedal went down. That wasn’t intentional,” Andretti clarified.
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The clash between Stewart and Andretti added an extra layer of excitement to the SRX Series, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of the event. Stewart wasn’t just driving for this SRX but was also a crew chief. He responded with his trademark wit when asked about his thoughts on race and his role.
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From driver to crew chief: Tony Stewart’s dual role unveiled
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Despite the challenges, the Stewart-Haas Racing owner took care of his responsibilities, monitoring the condition of the cars and receiving information about glowing brakes from the team. However, he clarified that “I’m not a mechanic.” He humorously pointed out that anyone seeking insights into the car’s struggles should direct their questions to the experienced team members, Rick Ran and Kevin Ridley, who handle the mechanical aspects.
Stewart joked about his “lot of work“ in dealing with the consequences of some “torn up cars” from the event. “I am a better driver than a crew chief, obviously,” he laughed. While he may not have excelled as a crew chief, Stewart’s lightheartedness and self-awareness shine through, endearing him to fans and reminding everyone that even the greatest have their areas of expertise.
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The SRX Series debut on ESPN delivered a thrilling night of racing action, with Tony Stewart warning Marco Andretti after their on-track clash. The former’s recent foray into the crew chief role at Stafford brought a touch of humor to the motorsports community.