Tony Stewart Reveals Unappreciated Motorsport Legend’s Legacy Pushing Him to Strive for More at 52

Had any other guy been in Tony Stewart’s place, he would be sipping a martini at a serene beachside, enjoying retirement. But Stewart is in a different league altogether, and still pursuing heavy ambitions at age 52. He is already a multi-time racing champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, the NTT IndyCar Series, and the USAC competition. Yet he is hungry for more, as he made his Top Fuel debut a while back.

Stewart replaced his wife Leah Pruett in the cockpit of a Top Fuel dragster at the Gatornationals event earlier this month. A range of emotions flooded his head and the legendary men who inspired him until that point dominated his thoughts.

Tony Stewart tipped his hat to versatile motorsport athlete

IndyCar and NASCAR veteran John Andretti left a great legacy in his untimely passing in 2020. Andretti set a multi-generational trend when he attempted ‘The Double Duty’ for the first time in 1994. Tony Stewart followed in his footsteps in 2001 and was the only racer to finish both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600. As Stewart clipped on his helmet and buckled up for his Top Fuel debut, Andretti’s legacy eased the tumult of emotions he felt at that moment. 

Stewart set his idol apart from other people, saying, “You know, and oddly enough, and we weren’t close by any means, but John Andretti’s name keeps popping in my head. Of all the people you think about that helped you get to here, he’s the one person outside of that box.”

Tony Stewart further mentioned the immense versatility that Andretti harbored in his motorsport career. “That keeps coming into play because I respect history and I respect the guys like John, that could drive an IndyCar, a Sprint Car, a Midget, a NASCAR car, a sports car, and came and drove a Top Fuel car. There’s not a big list of guys that have moved around to that, the amount of drastically different types of race cars that guys like John have driven.”

John Andretti hailed from a family of open-wheel racers. But following in his uncle Mario’s footsteps, he upheld a penchant for diversity. He won the IMSA sportscar race at Watkins Glen in 1986 and also the Daytona 24 Hours in 1989. He won USAC Sprint Car races on dirt and also made it to the semi-finals in an NHRA Top Fuel event.

Stewart tipped his hat to this legend before revving his engines at the Top Fuel event, “So probably nobody else is gonna think about John Andretti this weekend when this happens, but I am.”

Tony Stewart’s Top Fuel outing went smoothly, and he was very optimistic about the results.

Stewart ended his Top Fuel debut on a positive note

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Switching from a sportsman class in 2023 to the highly competitive nitro-burning Top Fuel category, Stewart was a bit apprehensive. But soon after he fired up his wife’s 11,000 dragster, Stewart let his natural ability rule the race. He clocked strong qualifying runs and finished in ninth place. He also put up a strong fight against rival Justin Ashley on the track.

Stewart was overall pleased with his performance. “I’m extremely pleased with my first Top Fuel weekend, even with the first-round loss today.” He further added: “As a rookie in Top Fuel, I hope I gained the respect of the other competitors in the class. I feel I was consistent with my starting line procedures. I have learned a lot from Leah and Matt (Hagan) with these nitro cars.”

Tony Stewart is proving himself a timeless and passionate racer. Andretti and others continue to inspire him to defy the notions surrounding his age. 

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