“I think they are making mistakes” - When Tony Stewart criticized NASCAR decisions, citing Denny Hamlin

The former NASCAR team co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) Tony Stewart has never been shy about calling out NASCAR when he feels they are off the mark. Stewart once criticized NASCAR’s decision-making, citing Denny Hamlin as a prime example.

Two years ago during an episode of “The Kenny Conversation,” Tony Stewart discussed the current state of NASCAR. Citing Hamlin as a prime example, the three-time Cup champion argued that NASCAR has failed to maintain consistency in enforcing rules and handling driver disputes, leading to what he believes are missteps that could harm the sport’s integrity.

Speaking to Kenny Wallace in 2023, Stewart didn’t mince his words:

“I agree with you to sit there and be upset because somebody said something, you know, the Denny Hamlin example, you know, he gets on his podcast a day or two later and says what he says, What's the statute of limitations? Two years ago, a year from now, I wrecked Denny Hamlin on purpose. Well, what are you going to do? Take the win away now? I mean, what do you do? And that's what I asked him in a meeting.”

“I said, where does it stop? It's like, you can't control, you can't, you can't babysit, you can't monitor everything. And I think they are making mistakes, but it's their playground; it's their, their rules, and we all play by them.”

Tony Stewart’s journey as a team co-owner has ended with the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing. He now competes as a semi-retired stock car driver in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

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Tony Stewart reflects on his NASCAR departure

Stewart-Haas Racing’s two-decade-long journey in NASCAR came to an end with the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The Kannapolis, North Carolina, outfit, earlier this season, shocked everyone after announcing that they will leave the sport after the 2024 season. Afterwards, Gene Haas, who had a share in SHR, kept one of SHR’s four charters and formed a new team named the Haas Factory Team with Cole Custer as their driver for the 2025 NASCAR Cup season.

During the 2024 playoffs, Tony Stewart shed light on his departure from NASCAR. He confirmed that the decision to leave sport was not part of a premeditated plan and feels this is the right time for him.

Speaking on “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast, Tony Stewart said:

“This is the right time; this was never a part of a master plan, but this is, as this year has gone on, this has become very clear that this is the right time for me to get out of the sport.”