Tony Stewart is a name NASCAR fans will never forget. A three-time Cup Series champion, he was known for his aggressive driving style, fiery personality, and passion for racing.
Always a fan-favorite, Stewart made his mark on NASCAR time and again since his 1996 debut in what was then called the Busch Series.
But in 2015, Stewart surprised many when he announced that the 2016 season would be his last in NASCAR. While some assumed he was retiring due to declining performance, Stewart made it clear that wasn’t the case.
Why Did Tony Stewart Retire?
With 49 Cup Series wins and championships in 2002, 2005, and 2011, Stewart had already secured his place among the sport’s greats. He had nothing left to prove in NASCAR.
That’s why, when asked about his retirement, he quickly dismissed speculation that it had anything to do with his results on the track.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet day. It’s not performance-based, it’s just time to do what we’re doing,” Stewart said, making it clear he wasn’t leaving because he could no longer compete.
Instead, he felt it was simply the right time to move on. Racing had been his entire life, but he was ready for a new chapter — one focused on ownership and mentoring rather than driving.
Although Stewart never blamed his retirement on past struggles, two major events may have influenced his decision.
Did Injuries and Tragedy Play a Role in Stewart’s Decision?
In 2013, Stewart suffered a serious leg injury in a crash, forcing him to miss nearly half the season. While he returned the following year, the injury had taken a physical toll. NASCAR is a demanding sport, and even the toughest drivers eventually feel the wear and tear.
Then, in 2014, Stewart was involved in a tragic accident at Canandaigua Speedway, where his sprint car struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. It was a heartbreaking moment that deeply affected Stewart. Though he was cleared of any wrongdoing, the emotional weight of that incident never fully left him.
Despite these challenges, Stewart didn’t walk away from NASCAR entirely. Instead, he shifted his focus to team ownership with Stewart-Haas Racing, helping develop the next generation of drivers.
Stewart’s name remains one of the most recognizable in American motorsports and even though Stewart is no longer behind the wheel, his impact on NASCAR remains strong. He left on his own terms, proving that retirement doesn’t mean disappearing — it just means finding a new way to leave your mark on the sport you love.