Three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart says Steve O’Donnell texted him on Christmas morning
Tony Stewart is as fiery as ever.
The 55-year-old is a 49-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series. He collected three championships in his career (2002, 2005, 2011).
But, for over a decade, Stewart has been frustrated with NASCAR leadership. And, that’s no secret.
That started a long time ago, when cars first became aero sensitive. Stewart and many of the drivers went to Steve O’Donnell with ideas on how to help fix the sport.
NASCAR told them they were wrong because their data said something else. The data was in fact wrong and Stewart has been pissed ever since.
NASCAR told 20 drivers they were wrong
He began working on his retirement plan after that meeting. And following the 2024 season, Stewart-Haas Racing sold their most of their charters and Stewart left the sport as a team owner.
Tony Stewart ‘mad’ at NASCAR; Looking for a new hobby
Tony Stewart is still mad at NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell
“Here’s the thing with [Steve] O’Donnell, if I saw O’Donnell right now we would be in a fistfight,” Tony Stewart stated via Door Bumper Clear. “That’s because of what they did to me in the past.”
“I do think he’s making a difference now. And I do think he’s trying. He’s making a genuine effort to try to make it better and not because of an ego. I think he genuinely cares about it.”
New for 2026, NASCAR has added horsepower and reduced downforce at short tracks. They’ve also brought back The Chase.
NASCAR is now considering more horsepower at larger tracks
Additionally, softer tires has been attempted at multiple tracks. However, that’s a move that’s been in progress for several years.
“I’ve never told anybody this. Last year, on Christmas morning, Steve O’Donnell sent me a text message. We haven’t spoke, for a long time.”
“It wasn’t, ‘Hey, just wanted to say sorry about the past. But hey, if we can put this behind us maybe we can work together.’ “
“He goes, ‘Merry Christmas, this and that. We’re trying to get the needle moving in the right direction. You think we can get together?’ “
“I’m like, ‘You can’t even say sorry yet! And you want my help now?’ Piss off.”
Stewart added, “I’m not going to ever help him.”
Earlier this year, he made his return to NASCAR via the Truck Series race at Daytona. Later this year, Stewart is running another race after a lengthy absence from any NASCAR event.
Tony Stewart returns to run another NASCAR race
Watch the video below.
Tony Stewart comments on Steve O’Donnell
Stewart says NASCAR industry, “Shot ourselves in our foot”
Tony Stewart isn’t looking for Steve O’Donnell at Daytona (Video)
