“If I was president for a day, that would be one of the main focuses is getting that original fan base back and making it relatable like it used to be.”
Tony Stewart is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He retired from full-time driving following the 2016 season.
Recently, he was a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. However, following the 2024 season, Stewart sold his stake in the team and the operation closed.
The 55-year-old has always voiced his opinions on the direction of the sport. Back in 2013-14, Stewart and 20 other drivers went to NASCAR leadership and told them about the things that were wrong with the car.
NASCAR told all of them they were wrong and that the data said something else. Just a few years later, Stewart retired.
NASCAR told 20 drivers they were wrong
Tony Stewart says he would fire all of NASCAR upper management
“I would fire all of the upper management, first day, right out of the gate, Tony Stewart told Sportico.
“I do think there’s some great people up there. But, there’s a lot hurdles that they have to cross.”
“Cleaning house at the top and bringing in some fresh eyes and ears. Having people that truly understand the history of the sport, I think is really crucial.”
“And, reconnecting with the fans of the past that really have seen enough changes that have taken their attention away from the sport. There’s still a way to bring them back.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr urges NASCAR to make changes to the racecar
“It’s just getting the right people to have the right mindsets and make the right decisions to embrace when they love and the passion that they had for the sport. And, being able to translate that into modern times now.”
“They’ve kinda lost their original fan base. If I was president for a day, that would be one of the main focuses is getting that original fan base back and making it relatable like it used to be.”
“We’re kinda in this era now where they’ve got it so comflicated, even for me, I’ve been out of it for two years and I don’t understand everything about it. So, if I can’t follow along as a former driver and owner, how do they expect the fans to follow along?”
“There’s people in upper management that are trying to make a difference. But, I sometimes feel, their ideas, they kinda get handcuffed and aren’t allowed to run with the ball like they should.”
Tony Stewart says he’d fight Steve O’Donnell if he saw him (Video)
Tony Stewart interview on NASCAR
Stewart says NASCAR industry, “Shot ourselves in our foot”
