“That’s Not the Tony [Stewart] I Know” – Hendrick Motorsports Legend Voices Disapproval to Dale Earnhardt Jr & Demands the Return of NASCAR Legend’s 2006 Self

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champ Tony Stewart recently took a new role at the Fox Sports broadcast booth as a commentator for The Clash and the Daytona 500 this year. Moreover, the 51-year-old joined sports announcers Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer on the Fox Sports’ NASCAR broadcast team. Recently, Stewart received praise from Hendrick Motorsports legend Steve Letarte and NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his “spectacular” abilities at the booth. However, Letarte also ended up demanding a version of Tony Stewart from his driving days while disagreeing with Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

NBC sportscaster Steve Letarte recently joined co-host Dale Earnhardt Jr. at “The Dale Jr. Download” podcast. The duo discussed the broadcasting tactics of Fox Sports during Sunday’s Daytona 500. Moreover, Letarte admitted to missing the 2006 version of Tony Stewart while urging the NASCAR legend to speak more.

Steve Letarte wants the 2006 version of Tony Stewart back

In the recent edition of “The Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed Fox Sports broadcasting tactics in comparison to NBC’s approach to NASCAR racing. Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Tony Stewart did a great job in the booth alongside Joy and Bowyer. Meanwhile, Letarte affirmed, “I agree with all that. And I think Tony was spectacular in the booth.”

At the same time, Letarte also demanded the return of the 2020 NASCAR Hall of Famer’s 2006 version. Steve Letarte stated, “But what I want is, but that’s not the Tony [Stewart] I know. And that’s like new, older, polished, like race car driver Tony and I’ll listen. Ohh, excuse me! race car owner Tony. I still want like, you know, 2006 Tony.”

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The NBC sportscaster added, ” Now perhaps, see, That wouldn’t work in the booth, but gosh it’d be entertaining. He can say someone does something dumb like he’s Tony Stewart man.”

Letarte calls for a change in Stewart’s approach 

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Steve Letarte also requested Stewart to be more vocal regarding the criticism of the mistakes made by the drivers. The 43-year-old also ended up comparing Stewart with Jeff Gordon while expressing his trust in the NASCAR legend’s judgment and credibility.

Letarte said, “I kinda have the same feeling about Jeff Gordon. Like Jeff Gordon would be like, ‘Nope! That was a dumb move right there, and he shouldn’t have done it. And if you don’t believe me, I’ve won 93 races.’ And Tony Stewart could be like, ‘No! That was dumb right there. And if you don’t believe me, here’s my championship trophies.'”

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Moreover, the NASCAR crew chief believed that Tony Stewart was aware of the power of his opinion and was unwilling to put any driver in a controversial position with his statement.