Picture a kid growing up in Columbus, Indiana, with a dad who didn’t just cheer from the sidelines but got his hands dirty as the car owner and crew chief. That’s Nelson Stewart for you. Back when Tony Stewart was just seven or eight, spinning laps in a go-kart, Nelson was there, pushing him to aim higher. “He never let me settle for second,” Tony once said, reflecting on how his dad’s tough love shaped him. It wasn’t about coddling, it was about building a champion. And boy, did it work!

Tony went on to snag three NASCAR Cup Series titles, an IndyCar championship, and a pile of other wins that’d make anyone’s head spin. But behind all that, “Smoke,” as they call him, is a dad who wouldn’t take “good enough” for an answer. Family, racing, and a bond that’s tougher than a steel chassis. Today, April 5, 2025, the NASCAR world is buzzing, and it’s not just about horsepower or checkered flags.

Tony Stewart’s heartfelt wishes for his biggest support

It’s about Nelson Stewart, the man who raised a legend, Tony Stewart, celebrating his birthday. This isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s a moment that pulls us into the story of a father and son who’ve lived their lives full throttle, both on and off the track. Nelson’s not just a backstory, though. At 86, he’s still out there racing TQ Midgets, proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Tony’s carried that fire into his own life, from NASCAR to NHRA drag racing, where he’s won Rookie of the Year in 2024. It’s a chance for Tony to look back at the guy who started it all.

On X, Tony posted,

“Happy Birthday, Dad

#HBD”.  That was a love letter from a son to his hero, paired with a photo of Nelson grinning trackside. The NASCAR community knows this isn’t just Tony’s story, it’s theirs too. Nelson’s been a fixture at races, a quiet force who’s watched his son climb to the top.

Back in 2016, when Tony won at Sonoma—his last NASCAR victory—Nelson was there, eyes wet with pride. “I don’t cry much, but today I did,” he told USA Today after that emotional day. Tony felt it, too, saying, “Having Dad there made it more special.” That win wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about a father seeing his kid fight through the grind and come out on top.

Now, fast forward to 2025. Tony’s not just a racer anymore—he’s a dad himself, with a little boy named Dominic, born in November 2024. Life’s come full circle, and Nelson’s influence is still roaring loud. At the NHRA Gatornationals in March, Tony was back in the driver’s seat, balancing fatherhood and racing. He said, “I’m still intense at the racetrack, and I still want to win, but I’m ready for a family.”

Nelson’s still in the mix, too, planning his drag racing debut at 86. Tony teased to Newsweek, “He’s 86 and wants to try it. I’m like, ‘Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.’” That’s the Stewart way—never slowing down, always chasing the next challenge together. The racing world’s joining in because Nelson’s more than Tony’s dad, he’s a symbol of grit and heart.

Antron Brown, an NHRA star, chimed in with, “Happy birthday pops 🔥,” while IndyCar’s Casey Mears called him a “good dude.” Rutledge Wood, the NASCAR analyst, kept it simple: “Happy Birthday!” It’s clear Nelson’s earned respect far beyond his son’s shadow. The fans turned out in droves on X, showering Nelson with birthday love, and it’s clear he’s a hero in their eyes. Here’s how they broke it down, with the full scoop on why each word matters.

The NASCAR family’s love for Nelson

“Love your stories, always a smile and a laugh,” said one fan’s comment. Nelson’s a walking, talking racing tale. From his days tearing up tracks at 77 to his quips about Tony’s early struggles, he’s got a gift for lightening the mood. X users pile on, calling him “the real deal” and “a legend who keeps us grinning.” Digging into his storytelling roots, we found how he’d spin yarns about racing karts while fixing them late into the night. Fans see him as the guy who brings the sport’s soul to life, one story at a time.

“The man that made it happen for you, it’s great to see.” Fans know Tony’s 1997 IndyCar title and NASCAR dominance didn’t come easy—Nelson was the engine behind it. Pro Football Network recounts how Nelson poured cash into Tony’s first kart and time into every race, even when it meant hard calls like “You’re not ready.” X posts echo this, with one fan writing, “Nelson’s the architect of Smoke’s legacy.” Adding to fuel, their 2025 drag racing plans are proof that Nelson’s still making things happen. Fans are thrilled to see him get his due.

“Dad can’t deny you as his son! You look just like him!! He raised a pretty good kid.” The lookalike talk’s a fan obsession—check Tony’s 2023 birthday post, and you’ll see two stubborn, smirking Stewarts staring back. But it’s deeper than that. Fans point to Tony’s grit. Think his Sonoma comeback or his NHRA rookie wins, and you’ll say, “That’s Nelson’s DNA.” X buzzes with comments like “Mini-Nelson in the best way.” With Tony now dodging diapers as a new dad, fans see Nelson’s lessons in action—tough, loving, and unapologetic. They’re proud of the “pretty good kid” Nelson raised, and they’re not shy about it.

The NASCAR community—drivers, crews, and fans—rallied hard for Nelson’s big day. It’s not just a birthday; it’s a salute to the guy who built Tony from the ground up. From X to the pits, they’re all saying the same thing: Happy birthday, Nelson—you’re the spark that keeps this family, and this sport, racing strong.