Once the “bad boy” of NASCAR, Tony Stewart was never afraid to speak his mind. Throwing a punch or two, tossing his helmet, or launching an expletive rant to his heart’s content – the Hall of Famer has done it all. But the man who once made headlines for his physical altercations is now the talk of the town for very different reasons.
In a character-transforming shift, Stewart has partnered up with Novant Health to help underprivileged kids. Taking to X, Stewart revealed he has joined hands with the $8 billion partner to build a new pediatric unit in Charlotte.
Tony Stewart Partners Up With Multi-Billion-Dollar Partner To Help Underprivileged Kids
“I’m a 15-year-old trapped in a 34-year-old body” were the famous words that came out of Stewart’s mouth when he was still a fiery competitor. Knowing what the kid inside him wanted, Stewart has been an active philanthropist, helping those who can’t help themselves.
But the 53-year-old’s ambitions took a serious hit in 2024, following the closure of the “Tony Stewart Foundation.” Some thought it would be the end of the NASCAR legend’s charitable days, but that wasn’t the case.
Funding a new pediatric unit, Stewart claimed it was all about the kids that needed the attention. “You realize this is something that, when you have the opportunity, you can support something like this for these children – that becomes a priority.”
I'm so glad to be part of the effort to help open an intermediate care unit at @NovantHealth Hemby Children’s Hospital! #HelpingOthers #MakingADifference #NovantHealth #HembyChildrensHospital pic.twitter.com/aTaS0gpDNc
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 24, 2025
He added that while it was a “huge honor to have our name associated with Novant Health. Even though our name is on it, it’s not about that. It’s about the children and the families we’re supporting.”
Set to open in December 2025, the project will see the construction of a pediatric unit with six patient rooms capable of serving up to 2,100 children each year. The building will bridge the gap between intensive and general care and ensure top-tier medical attention. In addition, there will also be an under-the-sea theme to the unit, allowing them to create a calming atmosphere for the young patients.
