Coming off of NASCAR’s off-week, and heading into Nashville Super Speedway, we have big news coming from NASCAR nation with Stewart-Haas Racing announcing its new driver for the outgoing veteran, Kevin Harvick. While Tony Stewart came out with the announcement on Wednesday as he welcomed the HMS underdog and JR Motorsports‘ Xfinity sensation to the proud Ford camp, fans picked up on the great irony in Stewart’s remarks during the media briefing.

Though NASCAR, over the years, has sort of evolved to be this great and entertaining sport, the business side of it leaves a giant opening for rich kids to buy their way into the scene while talent takes a back seat.

Reflecting on this aspect, Stewart came out with sharp comments about drivers buying their way into NASCAR’s top division. However, Stewart’s bold remarks were quickly busted by the online community as they pointed out the blatant irony, regarding his own drivers.

Tony Stewart Shoots Himself in the Foot With His Latest Remarks

Xfinity sensation and Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s prodigy, Josh Berry, has been named Harvick’s replacement in the #4 Mustang for the 2024 campaign. Since the news did not surprise the community as Berry’s entry into Cup Series was long anticipated, it was Stewart’s startling remarks that made it into the headlines.

Berry has been a major favorite to get the opportunity, owing to his blistering pace at Richmond where he was roped in as Chase Elliott‘s replacement. His talent behind the wheel is widely recognized as Hendrick Motorsports often handed the driver the opportunity in Cup Series to prove his mettle as the team’s super sub.

Now coming to the recent happenings, during the media briefing at Charlotte, the outspoken co-owner, Stewart had some interesting comments from his end as he welcomed Berry into the team.

As per NASCAR.com, he said, “I am not interested in some kid’s father coming and buying their way into the Cup Series. I have zero interest in that.”

“We want guys that earn their way, that work hard, that understand the values that it takes to be a top-tier driver – not one that just got his high school diploma and now all the sudden he’s a Cup driver. I’ve got zero interest in that. Josh has put the time, the effort, and every time he’s got an opportunity, he’s made the most of it. Those are the traits that championship drivers are built off of, not the easy ticket to get there.”

With this statement, the 52-year-old took a jab at the sport’s current dynamic, with money being ‘the’ factor rather being ‘a’ factor as more and more drivers are buying their way into the top tier. However, Stewart’s honest comments quickly turned around to bite him hard as fans pointed to Riley Herbst (SHR’s #98 Xfinity driver), who comes from a family of rich off-road racing culture with both his father and grandfather being prominent names in desert racing.

Moreover, fans pointed out that SHR’s Chief Operating Officer, Joe Custer had his son, Cole Custer jump the ranks from Xfinity to Cup seamlessly whereas talented prospects like Berry had to fight their way to the top after years of struggle in lower divisions.

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Fans Bust Stewart’s Nepotism Claims as They Point to SHR’s Driver Line-Up

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While the 32-year-old has finally landed his dream opportunity to race in the coveted top-tier promotion of NASCAR, Berry’s slice at the 2024 championship will be strengthened by the potent #4 team with Rodney Childers as the crew chief. Unlike his new teammate, Riley Herbst, who was handed a shot in Cup races for Rick Ware Racing, Berry had to claw his way from the Xfinity scene, following a lengthy stint with JRM.

As Stewart exposed this aspect of the game, his rather outspoken and cut-throat attitude landed him in hot waters as fans put forth their thoughts when senior NASCAR journalist Toby Christie tweeted out Stewart’s comments to the online community.

“Custer, and herbst literally do that,” wrote one fan as he busted the nepotism claim.

While another user tagged Cole Custer as he raised his question, “Is this a shot at @ColeCuster”

Whereas another fan agreed with the veteran but mentioned the reality of the situation, “Honestly makes sense but obviously the driver has no control over that”

On the other hand, some fans even went on to slam Stewart mercilessly, citing his drag racing career, “What Gene Haas needs is someone running the Team who is there and not involved in Drag Racing.”

“How about getting drivers who are fast regardless of how fast their dad’s wallet is?”

WATCH THIS STORY: Mike Joy addresses fans after his embarrassing Tony Stewart-Denny Hamlin mix-up at Sonoma 

With the arrival of Josh Berry, will the proud Ford camp be able to regain their form as the current 2023 season almost feels like a daunting task?