Breaking:Tony Stewart Delivers Blunt Opinion on Daytona 500’s Changing Legacy…read more
The NASCAR legend questions the race’s prestige in today’s era, claiming “anybody can win it” and insisting he wouldn’t trade a single championship for a Daytona 500 victory.
NASCAR icon Tony Stewart has delivered a frank and unfiltered take on the current state of the Daytona 500, casting doubt on its prestige compared to past decades.
Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing team, remains an influential voice in the sport. Although his team ceased operations after the 2024 season, Stewart’s passion for racing hasn’t waned—and neither has his willingness to speak candidly.
Speaking on the Rubbin is Racing podcast, Stewart opened up about how he feels the Daytona 500 has evolved, and not necessarily for the better.
“When I think about Daytona now—man, a lot of people are going to roast me for this—but I don’t think it holds the same meaning it did 15 or 20 years ago,” he said.
Stewart, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back. He pointed out that in today’s era, the Daytona 500 is no longer a true test of elite driving talent. According to him, the playing field has become so level that practically anyone has a shot at winning.
“Anybody can win it,” he declared. “Just look at some of the recent winners. I’m not going to name names because some of them are my friends and people I respect—but let’s be honest, they’re not drivers who should have won the Daytona 500. And for some of them, that was the only major win in their career.”
He contrasted those victories with the legacies of past NASCAR greats. “I won 49 Cup races. Jeff Gordon won 93. Richard Petty won 200,” Stewart said, highlighting how consistency and dominance used to define champions.
Although Stewart never won the Daytona 500 himself—his best result being a second-place finish in 2004 behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.—he’s adamant that he wouldn’t trade any of his three championships for a win at Daytona.
“No way,” Stewart said firmly. “I wouldn’t give up a single championship, not even for three Daytona 500 wins.”
Despite his criticisms, Stewart still acknowledges the race’s symbolic value.
“It’s still the Daytona 500,” he admitted. “It still has the history and significance. It’s still the highlight of the NASCAR calendar. But it’s not what it once was.”
He explained that the modern format and the increased parity between cars have watered down the competition. “The cars are so equal now,” Stewart explained. “You see guys winning it who didn’t lead a single lap until the end. They were just in the right spot when the crash happened on the last lap, and NASCAR froze the field.”
His comments reflect a broader debate within the NASCAR community about how rule changes and technical parity have altered the sport’s competitive dynamics. While some praise the increased unpredictability and inclusiveness, purists like Stewart view it as a dilution of what once defined greatness in the sport.
In the end, Stewart’s message is clear: the Daytona 500 still matters—but it doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. And in his eyes, winning it doesn’t necessarily make you one of the greats anymore.
