After a decade-long absence from active competition, Tony Stewart is making his return to NASCAR this weekend in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona. Stewart’s comeback marks his first race since retiring following the 2016 NASCAR season, reigniting interest in his ongoing relationship with the sport’s leadership. The return comes amid a background of unresolved friction between Stewart and NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell.
From Driver to Owner and SRX Founder
Following his retirement from driving, Stewart remained involved in NASCAR as a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing until the team ceased operations in 2024. Since then, his focus has shifted toward his NHRA drag racing pursuits and his new role as a father. Additionally, Stewart played a key role in establishing the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a short-track racing series that ran from 2021 through 2023, attracting top NASCAR talent to compete mid-week, which eventually became a point of contention with NASCAR officials.
Rising Frustration with NASCAR Leadership
Over the final years as a team owner, Stewart grew increasingly dissatisfied with NASCAR’s executive decisions. The tension escalated during an antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. Released text messages during the trial revealed displeasure from NASCAR executives about the SRX series and the participation of NASCAR drivers in it. Steve O’Donnell and former Chairman Steve Phelps expressed particular frustration with NASCAR drivers and owners competing outside the NASCAR-sanctioned events, including Stewart himself.
Controversy Over SRX and NASCAR’s Response
The text exchanges showed Phelps urging to
“put a knife in this trash series”
with reference to SRX, signaling extreme disapproval. O’Donnell criticized NASCAR-affiliated drivers and owners for engaging in SRX, suggesting they disregarded the platform that built their careers. NASCAR executives also voiced concerns during the lawsuit about fan confusion, especially when NASCAR champion Chase Elliott raced in SRX with identical numbers and sponsors as in the Cup Series, despite the obvious differences in car style.
Stewart’s Firm Reaction to NASCAR President
Stewart has not moved past these issues with NASCAR’s leadership. Asked about any recent communication with Steve O’Donnell during the Daytona event, Stewart responded bluntly without hesitation.
“I have not had that pleasure yet. Not at all. … I’m going to do my deal. If I run into Steve O’Donnell, he’ll have to deal with that part. But I’m gonna go do me and I don’t really care what he does this week.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Driver and Owner
Implications for NASCAR and Stewart’s Future
Stewart’s unapologetic stance highlights the ongoing tension between one of NASCAR’s most recognizable figures and its current leadership. His return to racing could ignite new conversations about the sport’s direction and its treatment of veteran voices who have shaped its history. Fans will be watching closely to see if any interactions between Stewart and O’Donnell occur during the Daytona event, which could further illustrate the rift or signal a possible thawing. This strained relationship sheds light on broader challenges NASCAR faces as it navigates its evolving competitive and business landscape.
A battle of champions!
2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott and 2021 SRX Points Champion Tony Stewart battling for the Main Event win here in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/9QrAziISzW
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 18, 2021
