Tony Stewart may have lost the 2008 Daytona 500 on the last lap, got wrecked by Kevin Harvick in the waning laps at Bristol and lost his barber's number nearly all spring but none of that -- not even that pesky Kurt Busch character -- could rile up the two-time champion like NASCAR's tire supplier.The setting was Atlanta Motor Speedway in March during the Sprint Cup's first visit to the 1.5-mile track and what we got was a lackluster performance by nearly every race team thanks to the lack of grip drivers suffered through because of Goodyear's hard tire compound.
Passing was hardly an option, the final lead change happened because of a blown engine and racing anywhere near another car was a perilous move for even the most talented drivers. And when it was all said and done, Tony Stewart let his voice be heard.
To make a matters worse, Stewart's rant was captured on network TV (you can watch the video later in the post) and he made the Holy Grail of NASCAR slams by declaring he was removing every single Goodyear product from any vehicle he owns when he got home.
NASCAR fans are known for their impressive brand loyalty when it comes to NASCAR sponsors and suppliers, and for Stewart to make such a claim sent Goodyear reeling. Luckily, they're still in business today with Stewart later recognizing that the tire company made significant amends by the time NASCAR reached its second stop at AMS in October.
Regardless, Stewart's rant was one for the ages:
Lesson learned from Smoke's rant? Don't cross ol' Tony, he'll sit your product back years, man.
