“It reminded me of something that happened in 2009.” After his most recent victory, Tony Stewart was overcome with emotion. In addition to his NASCAR, IndyCar, IROC, SRX, and other championships, he added his first NHRA Top Fuel race victory in Las Vegas to his diverse CV. But the most recent triumph brought back memories of his NASCAR days, when he was starting to transform Stewart-Haas Racing. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s thoughts are still present in Stewart, just as the legend’s is still present in the sport. In their heyday, the two Cup Series veterans competed together in NASCAR. Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart have been close for a long time, from working out a heated argument to making an appearance in a well-known band’s music video. Junior wants his old one for that very reason.
His former sport wants Tony Stewart to return. After all, “Smoke” left NASCAR with a magnificent legacy. Tony Stewart’s three titles and 49 Cup Series victories are testaments to his tenacity and adaptability. When he switched from Joe Gibbs Racing to SHR as a racer and owner in 2008, it was evident that he was a master of any race car. Stewart guided SHR to 16 victories and the 2011 title in face of skepticism. The veteran of his former sport wants Stewart back, even as he celebrates winning the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals with a run of 317.42 mph. 26-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. is eager to see his pal. If it’s not the Cup, Dale Jr. still wants to make the most out of owning a championship-winning team in the Xfinity Series.
Dale Jr. initially praised his former rival in a recent Dale Jr. Download episode. As the devoted husband of NHRA star Leah Pruett and the father of young Dominic, Tony Stewart is currently living the good life. “This weekend, he prevailed. I think that guy is amazing, and I’m thrilled for Leah and for him being a father and enjoying it. I adore his involvement in drag racing, which goes beyond the “no return.” As a drag racer, a spouse, and a father, Stewart may be experiencing happiness for the first time since Stewart-Haas Racing closed last year. But in just three words, Dale Jr. expressed his sincere desire: “I miss him.”
Junior wants Smoke to return on NASCAR circuits, running like a thunderous star like he used to
You know, I wish he was driving in circles. However, I miss him as a competitor at the NASCAR tracks. He should participate in one or two Xfinity races annually, in my opinion. When he was in the field, competing, he was always cool. I hope he returns to Daytona or something to race in Xfinity. Who knows, maybe Dale Jr. can get his old pal a ride, especially since JR Motorsports is the best in the Xfinity field. Furthermore, Tony Stewart has already boarded one of Dale Jr.’s rides. Stewart and Dale Jr. were enlisted by the rock group 3 Doors Down in March 2003 to appear in the music video for the song “The Road I’m On.” Regarding the band’s insistence to sponsor one of Dale Jr’s cars, Stewart hopped aboard the plan. Later that year in August, Stewart entered his first Busch Series (Xfinity) race since 1998. He piloted Earnhardt’s No. 8 Chevrolet in the Cabela’s 250 at Michigan International Speedway. He even led for 86 laps, until a rain delay dropped him to an 11th-place finish. Clearly, if Tony Stewart wanted, he could be dazzling his fans again in the Xfinity Series. What motivated Dale Jr to want his old friend back more was his lesser-known personality.
Behind a hard wall, soft
In NASCAR, Tony Stewart is well-known for his aggressive style. Particularly during the 2011 Cup Series title, the legend’s unrivaled zeal was evident. Before Stewart suddenly emerged as a dominant force, Carl Edwards dominated the regular season. He had not won a race going into the Chase, but he won five of the last 10 to force a championship tiebreaker. Stewart went so far as to launch a psychological assault on Edwards, telling reporters, “He’d better be worried.” In fact, Stewart demonstrated his aggressive determination by stealing the trophy from Edwards. Although Stewart’s fierce side is well-known, Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to draw attention to a less well-liked aspect of his personality.
Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart got into a heated argument during a 1998 Xfinity Series race at Pikes Peak. The latter even got into a heated argument with Stewart’s crew chief. “Let’s be friends,” Stewart remarked to Junior in Milwaukee a week later. Let’s stop bumping into each other. Dale Jr., who had thought about Stewart’s softer side, was encouraged by this readiness to work out disagreements. According to Earnhardt, Tony is a teddy bear. “He is extremely sensitive, and he occasionally feels regret for past actions when they are not in public view.” Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s invitation to return to NASCAR suggests that he has a soft spot for “Smoke.” Only time will tell whether Stewart accepts his invitation.
