Tony Stewart’s racing career is legendary. With three NASCAR Cup Series championships and a successful first foray into NHRA drag racing, “Smoke” has left an indelible mark on motorsports. But behind his racing accolades lies a story of unwavering parental support. Nelson Stewart and Pam Boas are more than Tony’s parents; they are the cornerstone of his storied journey.

It’s time to dive into the lives of Nelson and Pam, exploring their influence on Tony’s career, the cherished memories they’ve shared, and how their roles have evolved as Tony transitions into a new chapter—balancing fatherhood with racing.

Who are Tony Stewart’s parents, Nelson Stewart and Pam Boas?

Nelson Stewart and Pam Boas hail from Columbus, Indiana, where Tony’s racing dream first took shape. Nelson, a former racer himself, passed down his passion for motorsports to Tony. “He was riding a Big Wheel in circles at age 5,” Nelson recalls. “That’s when I knew he had the balance and instincts for racing.” By age 6, Tony had graduated to a yard kart, and the family’s racing odyssey began.

Pam, a steadfast supporter, recalls a pivotal moment when Nelson asked her to decide whether Tony should pursue racing. “Nelson said, ‘If he likes this, there’s no turning back.’ I said, ‘Let him do it.’ Little did we know,” she shared.

Pam has been actively involved in Tony’s journey, serving as treasurer of the Tony Stewart Foundation. She cherishes a handmade Mother’s Day card from Tony at age 10, which read: “Even though I love racing, I love you more.” That sentiment epitomizes Tony’s deep appreciation for his parents’ role in his life.

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How have Tony Stewart’s parents played a pivotal role in their son’s racing career?

Nelson and Pam’s commitment to Tony’s dream is unparalleled. Nelson’s mechanical expertise and mentorship were instrumental in Tony’s formative years. By high school, Tony had already won a World Karting Association championship, with Nelson by his side, wrenching on his cars. By the age of 7, a young Tony Stewart was in karting, with Nelson serving as the crew chief in addition to being the car owner.

Pam, meanwhile, kept Tony grounded. She fondly remembers his grade school days when racing consumed his thoughts. “Instead of doing homework, he’d draw racetracks and helmet designs. I still have some of those drawings,” she said. “We just had to keep him focused.”

Their sacrifices extended beyond time and effort. The family made financial commitments, traveling to races and ensuring Tony had every opportunity to succeed. These early investments paid off, as Tony became the first driver to win USAC’s Triple Crown and later transitioned to IndyCar and NASCAR, achieving legendary status.

Tony Stewart teases drag racing plans for his father

Even at 86, Nelson Stewart remains active in motorsports, recently winning the Outlaw Legends race at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair. Tony has hinted at Nelson’s next adventure—drag racing. “If he wants to race, by God, we’re not going to tell him he can’t,” Tony said, adding, “I think Antron [Brown] has almost adopted him.”

Nelson’s interest in competing in the NHRA’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series reflects the family’s enduring passion for racing. Tony’s own NHRA success, highlighted by a 2024 Rookie of the Year title, has fueled excitement for this potential father-son storyline. Tony quipped, “Leah and I told him he’d probably get his butt kicked at first, but if he’s healthy and happy, who are we to stop him?”

What is in store for Tony Stewart in the 2025 racing season as he juggles between racing and fatherhood?

Tony Stewart’s 2024 NHRA campaign was nothing short of remarkable. Filling in for his wife, Leah Pruett, during her maternity leave, Tony delivered career-best performances, including a 3.688-second run at 334.73 mph. His efforts earned him Rookie of the Year honors.

In 2025, Tony will return to the Top Fuel dragster while Leah steps back to focus on their newborn, Dominic James Stewart. Tony acknowledged the challenges of balancing his career and new fatherhood. “Some critics call me selfish for starting a family at 53, but I think it’s the right time for me to be a dad,” he said. “Fifteen years ago, I wouldn’t have been the father I am today.”

From yard karts in Indiana to the pinnacle of motorsports, Tony Stewart’s journey has been a family affair. Nelson and Pam’s unwavering support laid the foundation for a career that continues to inspire. As Tony navigates his next chapter, balancing racing with fatherhood, one thing remains certain: the Stewarts are driven by a shared love for the sport and each other.

In Tony’s words, “Racing is my life, and now it’s Dominic’s life, too. This is what we Stewarts do—we race.”