I've had a few days now to muse over the recent profile piece done in Rolling Stone on the always lovable Tony Stewart.If you haven't had a chance to read it yourself, I'd highly recommend it. And if you have read it, I'm sure you'll agree with me on a couple of fronts:
1) If you love Stewart because of his rank attitude and keen ability to not adapt to what people say he should be, then this piece exemplifies why so many people are so passionate in cheering for Tony and ...
2) If you're not the biggest Stewart fan but enjoy reading about how drivers really live outside of the limelight, it's again right up your alley.
The article is loaded with juicy tidbits about Stewart's life and the language he uses when he's not around the media -- or at least attempts to refrain from using. It mainly follows Stewart over the course of a few races earlier in 2008 and includes written imagery about Stewart riding back on his airplane, what the inside of his Hummer looks like, and just how "lavish" his Columbus, Ind. home is.
The best part by far, however, is when Stewart bashes Kurt Busch during the qualifying session this past May at Texas Motor Speedway [and as a slight warning, the language isn't exactly Disney movie appropriate]:
Stewart looks at the screen, and another car's time pops up.Ziiiiiing!
"There's the d**head," he says to no one in particular.
On screen, Kurt Busch just ran his qualifying lap in his No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge. At the start of the season, Busch (the older brother of Kyle) got into a skirmish with Stewart during practice before the Daytona 500. Afterward, Busch and Stewart were called to the NASCAR official's hauler to iron things out, and while both decline to discuss what happened, rumor has it Stewart decked Busch with a punch to the face.
"You know those kids in high school that talk all the time and won't shut up?" Stewart says. "And every once in a while someone gives them a good wailing? That's Kurt."
It's good to know that despite what drivers claim in their weekly interviews, there is still plenty of sizzle and rivalry among drivers -- even if the general public doesn't much know about it.
Aside for that dig on Kurt Busch, Stewart offers some excellent stories about how he broke into racing (got tired of working in a machine shop), his run-in with Kenny Irwin Jr. at Martinsville many years ago (did you know Dale Earnhardt was involved?), and of course, his love for the opposite sex.
Most notably, Stewart is also an apparent fan of the ultra-ritzy Schlitz beer. Now that is something fans can relate to.
Go ahead and read it. It's the best 15 minutes you'll spend today.
NASCARs New Bad Boys
The late Dale Earnhardt Sr. may forever be "The Intimidator," but a new generation of drivers are building a case to be named among NASCAR's bad boys. Meet 10 young guns who are making a name for themselves through a series of collisions with the media, fans and fellow drivers.
Getty Images (4)
10. Dario Franchitti: Franchitti has had limited action in NASCAR's top-tier Sprint Cup Series, but the star came in with a ton of hype thanks to his 2007 Indy 500 victory, his wife Ashley Judd, and one of the best stories of the offseason -- he chased down an intruder in only his boxers.
Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR
9. Kasey Kahne: Don't be fooled by Kahne's boyish good looks and
mild-mannered attitude. The No. 9 driver got into a physical confrontation with a security guard last year which ended with the guard on the pavement and left Kahne with one charge of misdemeanor battery.
AP
8. Juan Pablo Montoya: Juan Pablo Montoya is arguably one of the best open-wheel drivers of his generation, but he's gaining a reputation in NASCAR for "lowdown, nasty, dirty driving." He spun teammate and then-race leader Scott Pruett in last year's Telcel-Motorola 200.
Todd Warshaw, Getty Images
7. Denny Hamlin: While many could look past Hamlin publicly calling out crew members, no one could look past his recent incident with one of the most respected names in NASCAR. After crashing Kyle Petty last year at Dover, Hamlin's post-race comments left many NASCAR fans with a bad taste.
Todd Warshaw, Getty Images
6. Carl Edwards: Edwards may seem composed, but a more sinister side lurks beneath the star. One of the newest bullies has drawn the ire of NASCAR officials, threatened to make Tony Stewart bleed at Pocono in 2006, and faked a punch at teammate Matt Kenseth after the Subway 500 last year.
Marc Serota, NASCAR / Getty Images
5. Kevin Harvick: Harvick is no stranger to spats with angry drivers. He's considered by many to be NASCAR's most volatile driver due to his reckless driving style and bitter criticism of competitors. He was the first driver in NASCAR history to be suspended for a race in 2002.
Rick Havner, AP
4. Kurt Busch: The elder Busch has had confrontations with drivers, his former boss and even with a sheriff's deputy. His penchant for feuds began in 2003, when he instigated a fight with Jimmy Spencer, and he recently got into a physical altercation with Tony Stewart at Daytona.
Jason Smith, Getty Images
3. Robby Gordon: Gordon has established himself as one of NASCAR's most controversial figures over the years because of incidents that range from slamming his helmet at Michael Waltrip's car in 2005 to throwing debris onto the track in 2006, which resulted in chaos for drivers and a 50-point penalty.
Todd Warshaw, NASCAR / Getty Images
2. Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch's driving style has been called reckless, yet outstanding. NASCAR's Public Enemy No. 1 tried to pull a daring three-wide move on his older brother at last year's All-Star Challenge which sent both cars into the wall. The two didn't talk to each other for four days.
Jerry Markland, NASCAR / Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
9-06-2008 @ 11:53PM
Chaz said...
Stewart needs to get laid.
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 7:42AM
Becky said...
Chaz to begin with Tony does not need a nobody to say that he needs to get laid!!! He is as honest as it comes when it comes to his racing!!! That's whats wrong with people today they are afraid to speak up for themselves and others. Saying someone needs to get laid is not is an opinion, sounds like EXPERIENCE.. Having trouble in that department??? Have a wonderful day!!!!
Mike F??? Kurt Busch would be the d**khead Tony is referring to not Kyle!!! might wanna read the story again..The reason you people do not like Kyle is because he is good at racing!!! His atitude sucks maybe, but when he gets in that car atitude takes over and he drives the hell out of that car... Let me guess you must be a Jr. cheerleader??? That explains it!!! Have a wonderful day as well..
9-07-2008 @ 11:45AM
John Zawicki said...
NASCAR rhould just get rid of the CRYBABY already,,
9-07-2008 @ 12:27PM
sweetie said...
Yea.........by Jeff Gordon!!!!!! LOL
9-07-2008 @ 2:52PM
snakebitracer said...
Ur right he needs to be laid-OUT.
9-07-2008 @ 6:38AM
Mike F said...
Busch needs a good beatdown. His attitude sucks. If I were Mike Hilton Busch would be out all next season. He is nothing but a spoiled little brat.I am Suprised that Edwards did not beat him up after the stunt he pulled hitting Edwards after the race.
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 7:11AM
stewart fan said...
wrong Busch.....your talking about Kyle not Kurt
9-07-2008 @ 11:04AM
snpdogg said...
what the hell ? Carl is the lucky one. and by the way why is it that a driver is faster , but still CAN`t win with out hitting someone or puhing them out of the way ,go around if your so DAM better or faster . CARL is an ASS. not taking anything away from CARL but come on
9-15-2008 @ 1:32PM
dixie varnadore said...
That Kyle is certainly a dirty dog and should be shot. how dare he graduate, a year ahead and with dirty honors. just got in a nascar vehicle and won with all of them I do not blame all of you for hating hime so much and each with jealousy.
9-07-2008 @ 7:52AM
Ray said...
Mike F.......Don't comment if you don't know what you're talking about. You're talking about the wrong Busch brother. Read the article before you spew your garbage. Also, it's Mike Helton, not Hilton.....That would be Paris. Here's a point for you to ponder........"Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright, until you hear them speak............."
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 12:44PM
lori said...
first of all my response is a combination to many postings;
bumping:
bumping is a way of racing! always has been and always will be; you must be a new fan of nascar/nextel. go back and watch some early races of nascar with dale sr and cale yarlbourgho and the allison brothers then tell me bumping to win isnt racing.
kyle b. n carl edwards
btw,carl did to kyle (crybaby)bush what kyle bush wouldve done to him had the position been reversed.
on tony stewart:
As for Stewart, he's cool he says what he believes and stands in what he believes take it or leave it period. my kind of driver!
nascar needs someone who isn't afraid to speak his mind
9-07-2008 @ 8:05AM
Brenda said...
Take it from a female he is not interested in the fairer sex. He is as gay as they come.
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 1:52PM
Larry said...
Brenda-If Tony Stewart is gay then you must be a muncher.
9-07-2008 @ 8:17AM
Eric P Larsen said...
Way to go stewart !!!!
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 8:18AM
Robert Sebastian said...
1. Stewart's suffering from a severe example of Napoleon complex.
2. Earnhart's dead. Get over him.
3.Carl Edwards is not a NASCAR badboy.
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 8:27AM
djb said...
jr must be gay too, you never see him with a woman
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 5:20PM
Lucy said...
And you would know that Junior is never with a woman, because you spend 24/7 with him. A lot of people have a life without the opposite sex in it..... doesn't mean they are gay. Probably just means they are smart !!
9-07-2008 @ 8:40AM
Susan said...
Becky, Why is it that everyone needs to "needle" in a comment about Jr, when they assume things about the topic at hand? You assume too much. I agree he comment was out of touch and off base , but my friend , so was yours. I'm not a Jr. fan but get tired of hearing about "him" in all the posts .
Tony is a fantastic personality. For NASCAR, and for the fans. He is fun to watch. He is not my fave, but I enjoy watching what he does on the track and how he speaks.
Kyle is having one heck of a year! He's not my fan fave but , I give credit ,where its due. His older brother seems alittle out of touch lately. he really has been lagging behind at the back of the track.
Well, today we see who makes it or breaks it! It should be a good race! I wish you all good luck with your favorite drivers!!! Mine is in the tenth spot and Has been having quite a dull season . I can only hope he drives better and he can pull out some "magic" hahaha. Heres hoping. Chat you all later, from Connecticut, Sue
Reply
9-07-2008 @ 12:00PM
Susan said...
Hey! My name is Susan and my favorite driver is in the 10th spot right now, lol....and I basically agree with pretty much every thing you said. I hail from Va though, rather than CT.
This is too funny, lol.
9-08-2008 @ 9:06AM
ed said...
Ever hear the old race car adage, "yeah he is fast, but he ain't hit nothing hard ....yet."
This is what has happened to a lot of young drivers. Kyle Busch is going to have it happen too. It happened to Jr. and it may be the main reason he has not won as often as some think his equipment would allow.
Young drivers think they are indestructable. In fact most young people think that too. Kyle will continue to "drive the hell out of that car" until he hits something that gets his attention. He is a great driver, no question. But, human nature will eventually kick in, and the risks he takes to be the first across the finish line will be tempered by enough commen sense, or fear, that he will lift just a tic quicker or back off a pass that he had always tried. Then he will be back with the other great drivers who have hit something hard and want to live to tell about it or win a series championship.
Reply