“It’s just very difficult to survive as a team owner in NASCAR!” 2024 was tough for Tony Stewart. Apart from his brutal NASCAR exit, Stewart had to shut down a project very close to his heart which he started way back in 2003. The Tony Stewart Foundation officially ceased its operations in 2024. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of The Tony Stewart Foundation. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of our journey,” the former NASCAR driver said in Oct 2024. However, in a surprising turn of events, Stewart’s commitment to making a difference lives on—opening a new chapter with goals that echo his foundation’s legacy. In a surprising twist, after closing The Tony Stewart Foundation, the former NASCAR driver has opened another chapter with similar goals.

Before shutting down The Tony Stewart Foundation, Smoke’s not-for-profit firm had donated over $7 million, helping several pediatric cancer support organizations and numerous animal sanctuaries and rescues. Although Tony did not reveal any reason behind closing his Brownsburg-based not-for-profit foundation, the 2-time cup series champion driver has come forward to support underprivileged kids in Charlotte.

Tony, along with his wife Pruett have partnered with Novant Health – an integrated healthcare company – to transform the lives of underprivileged kids. An initiative to make sure more and more kids get access to the best medical facilities in Charlotte. Although the new facility will be operational in December 2025, Smoke was the one who kick-started this project.

This partnership with Novant Health will lead to the building of a new pediatric care unit. The six-bed unit will bridge the gap between intensive and general care, providing aid and expert care to 2,100 children each year. This new unit will be family-friendly and will have an under-the-sea environment theme that will appeal to young kids. Stewart was seen posing with a check for $2.25 million that he will donate to this noble cause; he even met with the entire Novant Health team and kick-started this initiative.

A joint collaborative post on Instagram stated:“We’re revving up pediatric care in Charlotte with the upcoming Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Tony Stewart Intermediate Care Unit—made possible by a generous donation from championship-winning race car driver @tsrsmoke! A huge thanks to Tony, his wife @leah.pruett, and all our @novanthealthfoundation donors for helping us cross the finish line for remarkable pediatric care!”

It is estimated that the cost of a NASCAR Cup Series charter is somewhere around $20-25 million. Although Stewart had to share his split with his partner Gene Haas, he did make a good profit from his investment. But, rather than just simply directing these funds to his TSR Racing program in NHRA, he and his family decided to give it back to the community. This is one of the reasons why Smoke’s fan following stretched well beyond the NASCAR community.

Meanwhile, on the racing side of things, Tony Stewart is already getting geared up for the new season.

Top Comment by Steve Lucas

Building a legacy for his family ????

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Smoke is eyeing redemption in 2025

TSR Nitro celebrated 25 years recently, and they have big plans for the new season. Stewart’s first season in the NHRA Top Fuel was a massive challenge that tested him to his limits. Despite making it to the playoff stages, the 3-time NASCAR Champion was unable to register a single win to his name. Going by his reputation and excelling at pretty much every discipline of motorsports, the 2024 season was a humbling sight for his ardent supporters. He was lacking the Midas touch.

With his wife Leah Pruett deciding to take care of their newborn son, Stewart will be back inside the TSR Nitro dragster in the Top Fuel. On the other hand, Matt Hagan will look to continue the team’s domination in the Funny Car. Like NASCAR, TSR also had a media day as they were kicking off their new season, and going by the caption on their social media post, they mean business. “New year. New look. Same goal.”

Fans will be able to see Tony Stewart in action in his first event of the year at Bradenton Motorsports Park. He will be competing in the annual Scag Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout and getting warmed up before the start of the NHRA season in March.