NASCAR Hall of Famer and SRX Racing series co-owner, Tony Stewart, faced a daunting challenge last week as a wreck involving Paul Tracy jeopardized his $40 Million venture. The recent SRX Series race at the Berlin Raceway brought relief and concern as Stewart’s team dealt with the aftermath of the carnage and the realization that they were left with just one backup car. 

In an exclusive interview with Frontstretch’s Stephen Stumpf, Stewart candidly shared the intense pressure he experienced and the importance of putting on an exciting and clean show for the fans.

Balancing excitement and responsibility: Tony Stewart’s commitment to clean racing

After weeks of hard work and dedication, Stewart‘s team faced despair due to multiple cars requiring extensive repairs from previous races. The specter of a potential disaster loomed as the team was left with only one backup vehicle. In a sport where milliseconds can make the difference between victory and defeat, the weight of this situation was not lost on the Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner.

When asked, “How important was it to not only put on an exciting show, but a clean one?” Stewart talked about what was at stake.

“Real important. I mean not, you know, had to go to a couple guys and say, listen, I mean something happens and two of you crash, then I’m done. I’m put in a bad spot of who do I put in the backup car. So I think everybody, everybody paid attention,” he replied.

Through Tony Stewart’s brainchild, NASCAR aficionados are being treated to a high-octane feast featuring a delightful mix of familiar legends and fresh talents. The recent suspension of the fiery Paul Tracy, combined with the temperamental outbursts of Ken Schrader, has spiced up the series to new levels. The absence of Paul Tracy in the race was deeply felt by Tony Stewart as he added some candid words about the same in the interview.

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Paul Tracy’s absence: A not-so-bitter pill for Tony Stewart to swallow

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Tony Stewart praised Tracy’s racing prowess, saying it didn’t feel the same without him. Interestingly, Stewart partly attributed the relatively clean race to the track’s characteristics, which helped mitigate potential carnage. He acknowledged that without Tracy’s presence, there was less damage to contend with, allowing the team to breathe a sigh of relief amid the ongoing chaos.

Tracy was suspended after the Pulaski County Motorsports Park race for the remainder of the 2023 season. The suspension came in the aftermath of a high-impact crash involving Tracy and fellow veteran racer Ken Schrader during the season’s fourth race. The incident raised eyebrows and ignited heated discussions, leading the SRX officiating team and 3-time Cup Series winner to take a firm stance on safety.

Tracy and Schrader’s collision at the Virginia race was not their first encounter on the track. The duo’s earlier encounter at the season opener in Standford had already raised concerns, hinting at simmering tensions between the two competitors. When the dramatic crash repeated at Virginia, it was evident that action needed to be taken to prevent further harm on the racecourse.

READ MORE: “Junking Them Is Not Cool”- Victim Hailie Deegan Unearths Why SRX Wreckfest Is Backbreaking for $90 Million Worth Tony Stewart

As fans eagerly anticipate the next SRX event, one thing is certain: the drama and intensity will only escalate. The allure of watching seasoned veterans and rising stars clash is too tantalizing to resist. However, SRX’s mission remains clear: to create a captivating and responsible motorsport experience that respects the sport’s rich legacy while embracing the potential of the future.