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TS
Motorsport Biography

Tony Stewart

“Smoke”

American flag American · Rushville, USA · Born 20 May 1971

NASCAR Driver

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American NASCAR driver and team owner who won three Cup Series championships (2002, 2005, 2011) and 49 Cup Series races during his career.

Anthony Wayne Stewart was born on 20 May 1971 in Columbus, Indiana, and began racing go-karts at a Westport, Indiana, racetrack in 1978, going on to win 13 driving championships across multiple disciplines before reaching NASCAR. Stewart won the 1994 USAC National Midget Series, 1995 USAC Triple Crown, and 1997 IndyCar Series championships before moving to NASCAR's Winston Cup Series in 1999, winning Rookie of the Year with three victories in his debut season. Stewart, nicknamed "Smoke," won three NASCAR Cup Series championships, in 2002, 2005, and 2011 — the last as an owner-driver with his own team, Stewart-Haas Racing, the first driver-owner to win a title since Alan Kulwicki. He remains the only driver in history to win championships in stock cars, IndyCar, and open-wheel Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown cars. Stewart retired from full-time NASCAR driving after the 2016 season to focus on team ownership, later moving into drag racing and winning the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel regular season championship, extending a remarkably versatile career that has spanned nearly every major form of American motorsport.

Famous For

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and successful team owner

Playing Style

How They Played

Aggressive racer known for hard charging and versatility across multiple racing disciplines

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of NASCAR's most successful driver-owners, known for aggressive driving and outspoken personality

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2002
  • NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2005
  • NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2011
  • Daytona 500 Winner 2005
  • Brickyard 400 Winner 1996 (Indy Racing League)
  • Indianapolis 500 Winner 1997 (IRL)
  • IRL IndyCar Series Champion 1997
  • USAC National Midget Champion 1994
  • USAC Silver Crown Champion 1995
  • USAC National Sprint Car Champion 1995
  • NASCAR Nationwide Series race winner multiple seasons
  • NASCAR Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award 2011
Career Journey

Timeline

1996 📌 IndyCar debut with Rahal Letterman Racing
1997 🏆 IndyCar Rookie of the Year
1999 📌 NASCAR Cup Series debut
2002 🏆 First NASCAR Cup Series Championship
2005 🏆 Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship
2011 🏆 Third NASCAR Cup Series Championship
2016 🎯 Retirement from NASCAR Cup Series racing
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

3 common questions about Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart competed as a NASCAR Driver.

Tony Stewart's career honours include NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2002, NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2005, NASCAR Cup Series Champion 2011.

Tony Stewart recorded 49 championships, 49 race wins.