Many fans recognize Tony Stewart for his fierce presence and assertive driving style in NASCAR, but Rico Abreu offers a unique perspective on the former Stewart-Haas Racing owner and champion. Ahead of his move to Tony Stewart Racing in sprint car competition next season, Abreu shared insights that shed light on Tony Stewart’s more compassionate and supportive nature, challenging the common perception.
Rico Abreu Highlights a Different Side of Tony Stewart
Rico Abreu’s connection with Tony Stewart dates back to 2012 at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. Over the years, their friendship has grown, with Abreu gaining a firsthand understanding of Stewart beyond his intimidating public image. During a detailed interview with Motorsports.com, Abreu explained how Stewart’s demeanor is often misunderstood as gruff and unapproachable, but his personal experience tells a different story.
Abreu recalled how Stewart offered him a safe place to work after his shop was repeatedly broken into. Initially hesitant to accept, Abreu eventually realized Stewart’s generosity and kindness were genuine. As he put it,
“People see the other side of Tony Stewart. The part of him that is a gruff hard a** but all I’ve ever seen from Tony is kindness. Someone kept breaking into our shop, and Tony told me to come over and work out of his place, and I was reluctant to at first.”
Rico Abreu, NASCAR driver
Respect and inclusion have been central themes in Abreu’s relationship with Stewart. He emphasized how Stewart consistently treated him with respect, boosting Abreu’s confidence despite his smaller stature in a demanding sport. Reflecting on the mentorship he received, Abreu acknowledged learning valuable lessons on leadership from Stewart. He also expressed his gratitude for Stewart’s pivotal role in helping him find his footing in the racing community:
“He always treated me respect. He respected me as a racer. I haven’t always had confidence; as a little person, believing that I fit in here, but he always made me feel like I belonged. I learned a lot about leadership from Tony. And above all else, when we got done doing (Dale Jr. Download), I just sent him a thank you text for all of that because I don’t know that I would have made it without people like him who made me feel welcome here in the first place,” he concluded.
Rico Abreu, NASCAR driver
Tony Stewart’s Recent Milestones Beyond NASCAR
Aside from his storied NASCAR career, Tony Stewart has continued to make strides in other forms of motorsport. In 2024, he stepped into the Top Fuel category, replacing his wife Leah Pruett’s position in NHRA drag racing. His dedication quickly bore fruit when he claimed the NHRA Top Fuel regular-season title at Indianapolis Raceway Park in September 2025, adding another impressive achievement to his extensive resume.
Tony Stewart Discusses Differences Between NHRA and NASCAR Racing
Tony Stewart has openly compared his experiences in stock car racing and NHRA drag racing. Speaking on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast in 2024, Stewart explained the fundamental contrasts in race dynamics between the two disciplines. He pointed out that NHRA races last only a few seconds, while NASCAR events span several hours with numerous pit stops, demanding sustained focus and strategy.
He stated,
“It’s not like what you and I were used to, where we’ve got a three-and-a-half-hour race. We’ve got six or eight pit stops during the day, and we have three, four, or five hundred laps to get the job done. If we make a mistake, we’re going to fix it.”
Tony Stewart, former NASCAR driver
Stewart also noted a difference in the emphasis on driver skill versus equipment tuning. In NASCAR, he estimated that approximately 70% of performance depends on the driver, with the remaining 30% influenced by the crew’s work. In contrast, NHRA’s success hinges significantly on the precise tuning and setup of the dragster.
Additionally, Stewart shared a practical detail about the racing attire, mentioning that NHRA suits weigh about ten pounds more than those worn in NASCAR, underscoring the physical differences in racing formats.
Understanding Tony Stewart’s Complex Motorsports Legacy
This glimpse behind Tony Stewart’s stern image through Rico Abreu’s testimony offers a more compassionate understanding of the racing legend. Stewart’s dedication to fostering talent and making fellow racers feel included reflects a leadership style built on respect and encouragement rather than intimidation.
With Stewart’s continued success in NHRA and Abreu’s upcoming partnership with Tony Stewart Racing, the impact of Stewart’s influence remains significant across multiple motorsport arenas. This evolving chapter underscores Stewart’s adaptability and passion, both on and off the track, shaping how fans and insiders alike view his enduring legacy in racing.
