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During the Bristol dirt race, the broadcasting team for FOX Sports included renowned personalities like Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds, Tony Stewart, and Clint Bowyer. However, during the event, Joy found himself in the midst of a storm of controversy.
Seemingly, he made a disrespectful comment about Stewart during the Cup race, who was present right next to him. Not long afterward, fans took the matter to social media. They began criticizing the commentator for undermining Stewart’s credibility, despite his presence in the booth.
Several tweets drew attention to a remark made by Joy, who had asserted, “Alan Kulwicki the last real owner-driver to win a Cup championship.” Interestingly, it is a well-known fact that Stewart had also secured a championship while being a part-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. However, Joy seemed to have missed this crucial aspect of racing history.
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Though it may not have been intentional on his part, it was still a hilarious and embarrassingly awkward moment since Stewart was sitting right there with him.
NASCAR fans slam Mike Joy for neglecting Tony Stewart
Fans of the sport were quick to react to Joy’s oversight, ensuring it didn’t go unnoticed on social media platforms. Several fans shared humorous memes and witty remarks, playfully chiding the NASCAR commentator for failing to remember Stewart’s accomplishments.
"Alan Kulwicki the last real owner driver to win a cup championship." – Mike Joy
Tony Stewart standing 2 feet away:#NASCAR75 pic.twitter.com/SpvachtqKm
— Devin Smrekar (@dsmrekar26) April 10, 2023
“Alan Kuwicki, the last true driver owner champion” -Mike Joy
As Tony Stewart is standing next to him in the booth
— Spencer Burns (@Burnzy006) April 10, 2023
No disrespect at all to what Mike Joy was trying to do honoring Kulwicki, but to stand there nest to Tony Stewart and say "the last *true* owner/driver…" feels kind of disrespectful to Tony, no?
— David iñ Georgia (@stormynormy42) April 10, 2023
Mike Joy: Alan Kulwicki, the last true owner-driver to win a Cup championship…
Tony Stewart: <silence>
— Steven Kilsdonk (@StevenKilsdonk) April 10, 2023
Tony Stewart’s achievements as a part owner of Stewart-Haas Racing are nothing short of remarkable. After becoming a part owner in 2009, Stewart’s determination and passion for the sport propelled him to a third championship victory in 2011. This feat solidified his place in NASCAR history, as Stewart proved that a driver-owner could still dominate the highest level of stock car racing. This fact was highlighted by fans.
Mike Joy disrespected Tony Stewart. My man won the championship owning STEWART-Haas Racing. #NASCAR75
— Tyrone Dudley (@TheOnlyTyronly) April 10, 2023
Mike Joy: "The last true owner driver to become the Cup Series Champion, Alan Kulwicki…"
Tony Stewart: pic.twitter.com/ssqxysgrkV
— Chris Sousis (@ShrisCousis) April 10, 2023
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While Joy may have unintentionally disregarded Stewart’s success through his comment, fans’ reactions to it serve as a reminder of the significance of his accomplishments. It’s not every day that someone can wear both hats as an owner and a driver, and come out on top.
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It’s worth remembering that no one is perfect, and even seasoned commentators like Joy can make a mistake. Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep an open mind and acknowledge the accomplishments of those who have paved the way for future generations of racers. As the saying goes, “You can’t win them all,” but when you do, it’s something that deserves recognition and admiration.