Tony Stewart Hits Back at Critics Over SRX Decision and eldora speedway criticism: ‘They’re Idiots’
Tony Stewart is no stranger to controversy, and his recent decision to postpone the 2024 season of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has once again put him in the spotlight. Following the announcement, some fans quickly speculated that the delay—along with Stewart’s decision to sell his All-Star Sprint Car Series—meant he was shifting away from stock car racing and possibly winding down Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). These critics, particularly on social media, even went as far as suggesting that SHR was on the brink of shutting down.
But Stewart wasn’t having it. The NASCAR icon fired back during a candid appearance on the *Hot Rod Pod* on the MotorTrend Channel, setting the record straight about his current focus and future plans. Stewart, who has long been known for his outspoken personality, made it clear that he’s still deeply invested in his racing businesses, and those who were speculating otherwise simply didn’t know what they were talking about.
“My life’s taken twists and turns, and you just start writing everything on a piece of paper of what you’re doing and it’s like, well … I don’t have any more room on my plate,” Stewart explained, referencing his increasing commitments
For Stewart, the decision to scale back on some projects—like SRX—isn’t a retreat from racing but a necessary step to manage his many responsibilities. The delay of SRX, as well as his sale of the sprint car series, are part of a bigger picture where Stewart is focusing his energy on fewer, more strategic endeavors. However, the internet’s reaction was swift, and many jumped to conclusions about SHR’s future. One online comment after the SRX postponement even claimed, “That’s it. SHR’s over, shut the doors down now.”
Stewart quickly shut down such rumors. “I don’t make calls on the car anyway,” he said, referring to SHR’s operations in North Carolina. “It’s not going to change, it’s not changing one thing we’re doing in North Carolina. No different than it’s not changing what we’re doing with the sprint car, it’s not changing what we’re doing with Eldora Speedway.”
In typical Stewart fashion, he wasn’t shy about calling out those who were spreading misinformation. “So people who have that mindset are dumba–es, they’re idiots,” he said bluntly. “They don’t know what they’re talking about.”
For Stewart, the decision to step back from certain areas of his racing empire is about balance—not abandoning the sport he loves. He’s focusing on quality, not quantity, and the goal is to alleviate stress, not retreat. “At some point, you go, ‘I’ve got to start taking stress out of my life,’” he reiterated.
Stewart also made it clear that his focus on Top Fuel drag racing and his family life doesn’t mean he’s walking away from his other ventures. Eldora Speedway, SHR, and his other racing endeavors are still central to his business plans. The fans and critics who think they have a clear view of what Stewart is doing might be missing the bigger picture.
“I’ve got a full plate, but it’s still racing,” Stewart said. “I’m still committed to everything I’ve got going on, and I’m excited for the future.”
While the recent SRX decision may have caused some temporary stir, it’s clear that Tony Stewart isn’t slowing down. His focus may have shifted, but his passion for motorsports remains as strong as ever. And as for the critics? Well, they’ll have to accept that Stewart isn’t interested in their opinions.
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