Tony Stewert accuses Nascar of playing God

[HoeyHimself]

Tony Stewart accuses NASCAR of 'playing God'
EnlargeBy Harry How, Getty ImagesTony Stewart led a race-high 132 laps at Phoenix International Raceway last weekend, but felt NASCAR officials went too far by throwing four yellow flags for debris.


swapContent('firstHeader','applyHeader');By Nate Ryan, USA TODAY
It turned out Tony Stewart did have something to say — and now Nextel Cup officials likely are wishing their outspoken superstar had stayed silent.
The two-time champion accused NASCAR of "playing God" with overzealous officiating he likened to pro wrestling during a Tuesday night tirade on his Sirius Satellite Radio program.
In his first public comments since avoiding reporters after a second-place finish at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, Stewart lambasted NASCAR for four yellow flags caused by debris on the track. He said none was legitimate, implying the cautions were timed to orchestrate closer racing by bunching the field. "It's about the integrity of the sport," Stewart said. "When I feel our own sanctioning body isn't taking care of that, it's hard to support them and feel proud about being a driver in the Nextel Cup Series. I guess NASCAR thinks, 'Hey wrestling worked, and it was for the most part staged, so I guess it's going to work in racing, too.' "
NASCAR has thrown 20 debris cautions in eight races. Stewart finished second to Jimmie Johnson at Atlanta Motor Speedway after a late debris yellow wiped out a lead.
"I don't know they've run a fair race all year," Stewart said.
NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter called Stewart's remarks "very, very disappointing" in a statement and said the series' first priority is driver safety.
Fox analyst Darrell Waltrip stopped short of agreeing NASCAR was manipulating its finishes but said there were too many debris cautions.
"I don't think there's any intentions of fixing a race," said Waltrip, who has lobbied officials to put the debris on display as they do with illegal parts. "NASCAR, in their defense, will always say, 'We have to err on the side of safety.' I think (they've) become obsessed with that to the point that it can affect the racing."
Stewart said he was particularly displeased with a debris yellow that occurred as he was catching Kevin Harvick for the lead because "I was coming so fast, it was inevitable I was going to get around those guys, so NASCAR throws a debris caution ... I thought racing was about being better than the other guys."
The 35-year-old driver led a race-high 132 laps but finished second after falling behind winner Jeff Gordon when he pitted during the final yellow, which came for a three-car crash involving Dave Blaney, Kenny Wallace and J.J. Yeley.
"That was only the second legitimate caution we had all day," Stewart said. "I can't understand how long the fans are going to let NASCAR treat them like they're stupid before the fans finally turn on NASCAR," he said.
Stewart said the debris cautions were the reason he didn't address the media after the Phoenix race.
"The aggravation for me was I didn't want to go in the media center and bash NASCAR," he said. "I don't mind doing it on my own radio show. Anyone who thinks this debris caution stuff is the right direction for NASCAR, I think you're crazy."
NASCAR requires its top-three finishers to do interviews on pit road and the media center, but Stewart said it wasn't his obligation to comply. He's not expected to be penalized.
"The thing with the media is they think it's our obligation to do those things," Stewart said. "It's a privilege that they get to (talk to us). That's the way it's always been. Maybe it is in some of these other guys' contracts, but it is not in my contract that says I have to go do any interviews after the race is over."
Stewart, who was battling a 100-degree fever Tuesday and left the two-hour program before its conclusion because he felt so ill, also took issue with fans who were upset that Gordon chose to carry a No. 3 flag on his victory lap. Gordon was saluting the late Dale Earnhardt after tying him on NASCAR's all-time win list with his 76th victory.
Some fans threw trash at Gordon's car during the tribute.
"Absolutely, it was a class act," Stewart said of Gordon's homage to the seven-time champion. "You're celebrating Dale's career. I was unaware that fans were throwing things on the track (before Tuesday's show). That really disgusts me about being a NASCAR driver. It makes me almost ashamed at times that a few bad eggs ruin it for everybody. If you want to throw stuff, go in your backyard and throw stuff at each other and save the kids' play for home."

To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor Brent Jones


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[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

I harken to the days of the '43' STP car from Richard Petty.

Restrictor plate racing is un-natural, and about keeping big groups of cars together, for supposed more exciting racing. Just another reason why I don't care much for NASCAR anymore. Especially, since Dale died.

The ALMS is my new racing to cheer for. And American cars are competing well in ALMS.

I think getting the ALMS on CBS with the American cars competing pretty well, would help sales amongst Gen Y.

[HoeyHimself]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

I harken to the days of the '43' STP car from Richard Petty.

Restrictor plate racing is un-natural, and about keeping big groups of cars together, for supposed more exciting racing. Just another reason why I don't care much for NASCAR anymore. Especially, since Dale died.

The ALMS is my new racing to cheer for. And American cars are competing well in ALMS.

I think getting the ALMS on CBS with the American cars competing pretty well, would help sales amongst Gen Y.

I couldnt agree with you more! I see the ALMS as everything Nascar should be. It baffles me why Nascar is still as popular as it is, however I do feel comfort in seeing loyalist loving the sport...just wish that the sport loved them back (oh yeah, they gave the fans the Neon Garage.)

I have never been a diehard fo Nascar, I can enjoy going down to MIS (Michigan International Speedway) and spending the day at the race..but it's then environment that gets me, not the racing. However, when I was introduced to the ALMS, when I became a SCCA member, and when I started to educate myself more on the teams and the community of all things non-Nascar...I just couldnt understand where the appeal in Nascar was other then it's heritage and a few stars that have been on the track for years.

Nascar has always left a bad taste with me because of suspisions that there was alot of things that we didnt see or hear about...hearing a driver refer to it in the same respects as wrestling doesnt surprise me...both have huge fan followings, both have superstars that keep the sport exciting, and both give you a weird feeling that things could be set up.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Originally Posted by HoeyHimself

I couldnt agree with you more! I see the ALMS as everything Nascar should be. It baffles me why Nascar is still as popular as it is, however I do feel comfort in seeing loyalist loving the sport...just wish that the sport loved them back (oh yeah, they gave the fans the Neon Garage.)

I have never been a diehard fo Nascar, I can enjoy going down to MIS (Michigan International Speedway) and spending the day at the race..but it's then environment that gets me, not the racing. However, when I was introduced to the ALMS, when I became a SCCA member, and when I started to educate myself more on the teams and the community of all things non-Nascar...I just couldnt understand where the appeal in Nascar was other then it's heritage and a few stars that have been on the track for years.

Nascar has always left a bad taste with me because of suspisions that there was alot of things that we didnt see or hear about...hearing a driver refer to it in the same respects as wrestling doesnt surprise me...both have huge fan followings, both have superstars that keep the sport exciting, and both give you a weird feeling that things could be set up.

My interest in the ALMS, and road racing in general, started when I got back from a driving school near Las Vegas. Turning right every now and then, making good downshifts and hitting your apex is much more involved than staying in 1 gear, and only turning left.

Actually, F1 has taken the driver out of the equation with the paddle shifters. No reason to hit good downshifts, because a computer does it for you. Owners like it, because it's less chance for the drivers to make a mistake. But that is part of driving. You stay behind a guy, save on gas, get him thinking about his rearview mirror, and wait for him to make a mistake.

I still like watching the Daytona 500, but NASCAR just ain't the same since Dale died.

[Brglotus]

It's funny because Tony Stewart is just saying what we all think, i've been saying for sometime that Nascar has become like wrestling. I've been watching since the early 80's and lost interests when Dale died. I got back into it because of Tony but I've lost interests due to too many changes and restrictions. ALMS is the best thing right now for American racing. I heard the Corvettes maybe going down a class due to no competition from Aston Martins and Ferrari's. Tony is the last driver in Nascar that speaks his mind.

[Family Man]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Restrictor plate racing is un-natural, and about keeping big groups of cars together, for supposed more exciting racing. Just another reason why I don't care much for NASCAR anymore. Especially, since Dale died.

While many drivers don't like restrictor plate racing, I think it works in that it has slowed the cars down. While the "Big One" is almost unavoidable now, I would rather be in a multi-car pile-up at 190MPH than a single car crash going 210MPH. I believe Rusty Wallace ran a Cup car last year at Daytona last year, unrestricted, and reached 200mph - BY HIMSELF. Scared the crap out of him. Look at this past week-end at 'Dega; Busch's car got airbone even with the roof flaps that are supposed to help slow the cars down. Imagine that if he was travelling at over 200mph.

As for the above story, he got called into a meeting early Friday morning and was apparently chewed out by the big wigs. He met with reporters after the meeting and apologized to NASCAR for his comments. Look like someone was read the riot act...

[Hudson]

Originally Posted by Brglotus

It's funny because Tony Stewart is just saying what we all think, i've been saying for sometime that Nascar has become like wrestling. I've been watching since the early 80's and lost interests when Dale died. I got back into it because of Tony but I've lost interests due to too many changes and restrictions. ALMS is the best thing right now for American racing. I heard the Corvettes maybe going down a class due to no competition from Aston Martins and Ferrari's. Tony is the last driver in Nascar that speaks his mind.

I've been making the same NASCAR/WWE connection for quite some time as well.

And NASCAR "playing God" over the competition isn't a new call, pun intended. There have been claims that "the call" would be made to the winning driver before races for years. Motor Trend (I believe, although ti could have been Car and Driver) did a story on "the call" years ago and, of course, NASCAR denied any allegations.

I find NASCAR to be among the least entertaining "sports" around. And that all started with the elimination of "stock" bodies.

[Family Man]

Here is the story about this past Friday's meeting with NASCAR officials. It should be noted that the original story (first post) occured over one week ago, Apr 24th.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/s...d=2&id=2851305

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Tony Stewart has changed his views about debris cautions, saying he now believes the cautions are legitimate after meeting with NASCAR officials Friday morning.

Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

If he had it to do over again, Tony Stewart would have taken his complaints about debris cautions to NASCAR instead of his satellite radio show."They assured me that the debris cautions aren't happening if things aren't out there," Stewart said. "The group I spoke with this morning are peers that I trust. I have a lot of respect for them."

"I feel confident from what they've told that this doesn't happen," Stewart said. "I believe them until they give me reason not to believe them."

Stewart was asked if his comments damaged the image of the sport.

"I'm sure I did hurt it," he said. "I know I did some damage. You can't fix stupid, and I still say stupid things sometimes. It's something I'm getting better at, but I'm not totally cured yet.

Stewart said he couldn't reveal who was in the meeting with him, which took place at 6 a.m. at Talladega Superspeedway.

"I've made a living off this sport. There isn't a free ride for anybody here. I think I spoke unfairly after talking with those guys this morning."
--Tony Stewart, after meeting with NASCAR officials.

Asked if he was reprimanded, Stewart laughed and said, "My rear is a little tender for me to sit down right now."

[poncho1982]

Old news. This happened last week.

NASCAR "tuned" Stewart up, and he has since "restated" what he meant.

NASCAR is what it is. If you don't like it, don't watch. Just shut up about those of us who do still enjoy it.

[likearock00]

This is about a week old news! NASCAR reamed him a new butt hole following the incident. He couldn't even unload the truck at Talladega without meeting with NASCAR officials. He apologized at Talladega and was was very remorseful all last weekend.

[doh]

Originally Posted by Family Man

Here is the story about this past Friday's meeting with NASCAR officials. It should be noted that the original story (first post) occured over one week ago, Apr 24th.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/s...d=2&id=2851305

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Tony Stewart has changed his views about debris cautions, saying he now believes the cautions are legitimate after meeting with NASCAR officials Friday morning.

Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

If he had it to do over again, Tony Stewart would have taken his complaints about debris cautions to NASCAR instead of his satellite radio show."They assured me that the debris cautions aren't happening if things aren't out there," Stewart said. "The group I spoke with this morning are peers that I trust. I have a lot of respect for them."

"I feel confident from what they've told that this doesn't happen," Stewart said. "I believe them until they give me reason not to believe them."

Stewart was asked if his comments damaged the image of the sport.

"I'm sure I did hurt it," he said. "I know I did some damage. You can't fix stupid, and I still say stupid things sometimes. It's something I'm getting better at, but I'm not totally cured yet.

Stewart said he couldn't reveal who was in the meeting with him, which took place at 6 a.m. at Talladega Superspeedway.

"I've made a living off this sport. There isn't a free ride for anybody here. I think I spoke unfairly after talking with those guys this morning."
--Tony Stewart, after meeting with NASCAR officials.

Asked if he was reprimanded, Stewart laughed and said, "My rear is a little tender for me to sit down right now."

Umm Changed his views so he could unload his car.

The sport needs someone not afraid to voice thier opinion, and I thought Tony was the guy.

[natesriv]

I haven't liked NASCAR since Cale Yarborough and Richard Petty, when the cars were real (or a lot realer than they are today) and the driving was more intense.
Heck, remember the 80's Monte Carlo's with the fast back glass? They did that FOR NASCAR..

[wnsfmike]

He was also fined $10,000 as NASCAR took the unprecedented action of penalizing him for skipping his post-race news conference.

[lightbrotha2004]

Originally Posted by doh

Umm Changed his views so he could unload his car.

The sport needs someone not afraid to voice thier opinion, and I thought Tony was the guy.

I totally agree we need some real men out there who in the face of adversity will not back down. Some of the Nascar fan boys need to get a clue, its so childish in nascar nowadays i wasn't around for when the cars were what they were and when the drivers could do what the hell they want, but i would sure love to see the days again. Racing could be fun again but back to Tony.... I would have packed my ass back up and rolled out. Screw this phony nascar racing and all that goes with it.

[GotAWD]

I heard this last week on the Jim Rome show. i wanted to look for it and post it. Jim brought some good points up. like Richard Petty winning 200 at Daytona, on the 4th of July, in front of Reagan. Jr. Winning Daytona a year after Sr died at the track. Gordon is from Indy, he won the inagural race at Indy. Some of it seems quite coninsidental, but i kinda agree with Tony on what hes said. Not only that but the cars are almost like IROC cars, the only different being 4 brands and a few different engines. ALthough i dont care much for NASCAR, i think Tony should step into something else and get into ALMS, F1, if you dont like what you got change it.