Tony Stewart, widely recognized for his versatility and competitive edge in motorsports, saw his impressive NASCAR consecutive race streak come to a halt after a severe crash in 2013. Known for his consistent participation in every race since his Cup Series debut in 1999, Stewart’s streak of 521 starts ended following injuries sustained in a sprint car event at Southern Iowa Speedway.
Stewart’s Career and Racing Style
Stewart’s reputation in racing extends beyond his fiery personality and occasional controversies; he is regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers across multiple motorsport disciplines. With three NASCAR championships to his name and a status as a Hall of Famer, his aggressive driving style earned him the nickname NASCAR’s ‘Bad Boy,’ making him a tough competitor on the track.
Starting his NASCAR Cup Series career with Joe Gibbs Racing behind the wheel of the No. 19 Pontiac in the 1999 Daytona 500, Stewart quickly established himself as a dominant force. Over the next fourteen years, he showcased remarkable durability and commitment by starting every race without missing a single event.
The Crash That Interrupted Stewart’s Streak
On August 5, 2013, while leading in a sprint car race at Southern Iowa Speedway with just five laps to go, Stewart was involved in a serious accident. After exiting turn 4, he collided with fellow driver Josh Higday, causing his car to flip three times before coming to rest. This multi-car crash inflicted severe injuries on Stewart, including broken bones in his right leg.
The detailed injuries included Grade II fractures to his right tibia and fibula, which required two surgeries to repair. A metal rod was implanted in his right tibia as part of the recovery process. These injuries forced Stewart to withdraw from the remaining NASCAR Cup Series races of the season, ending his streak of consecutive starts at 521.
Recovery and Impact on NASCAR Season
Following the crash, Stewart took to social media to update fans on his condition, stating,
“I told someone to go get my phone, or else I was going to get up and get it myself. I finally got reconnected to the world, and I just want to say thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. My team will remain strong, and I will be back.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR driver
During his recovery period, Stewart missed fifteen Cup Series races. Other drivers such as Max Papis, Austin Dillon, and NASCAR veteran Mark Martin stepped in to fill the gap left by Stewart’s absence, ensuring the team remained competitive despite the setback.
Context within NASCAR Consecutive Start Records
While Stewart’s streak of 521 consecutive starts is among the longest in NASCAR history, other drivers have surpassed this total. Jeff Gordon currently holds the record with 797 consecutive Cup Series starts, underscoring the rarity and challenge of maintaining such a streak. Stewart’s record demonstrates remarkable endurance and consistency across a physically demanding sport.
