Tony Stewart Explodes at NASCAR: ‘I Don’t Work for Them…’ — Calls Out ‘Ignorant’ Leadership

NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has unleashed a blistering attack on the sport’s leadership, branding them “ignorant” and slamming their handling of the charter system as a “joke.” The three-time Cup Series champion, now free from NASCAR’s grip after closing Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2024, didn’t hold back on the Rubbin is Racing podcast, venting years of pent-up frustration. His explosive comments have set the NASCAR world ablaze, with fans, drivers, and insiders dissecting every word. From accusations of dismissing driver input to exposing the chaos behind the scenes, Stewart’s outburst is a bombshell that could reshape the sport’s future. Buckle up as we dive into the controversy, the fan reactions, and what this means for NASCAR in 2025.

Stewart’s Breaking Point: Why He’s Done with NASCAR

Tony Stewart’s departure from NASCAR wasn’t quiet. After 15 years as co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, which racked up 69 wins and two Cup Series championships, Stewart and partner Gene Haas shuttered the team at the end of the 2024 season, citing the sport’s grueling demands and unsustainable financial model. But it’s clear Stewart’s exit was about more than logistics. On the Rubbin is Racing podcast, he tore into NASCAR’s leadership, declaring, “I don’t work for them anymore,” and accusing them of ignoring the voices of drivers and teams. “They’re so ignorant to think they know more than we do,” he fumed, recalling a meeting where 20 drivers offered suggestions to improve racing, only to be told their ideas were “the opposite” of NASCAR’s data.

The charter system, a cornerstone of NASCAR’s team structure, was a particular sore spot. Stewart called it a “joke,” echoing sentiments from heavyweights like Rick Hendrick, who reportedly signed the latest charter agreement out of exhaustion rather than agreement. “If Rick Hendrick says, ‘I just got tired of arguing,’ you know something’s wrong,” Stewart said, hinting at deeper issues in NASCAR’s negotiations with teams. The system, meant to guarantee teams race entries and revenue, has been criticized for favoring NASCAR’s control over team autonomy, sparking an antitrust lawsuit from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in 2024. Stewart’s decision to walk away was cemented by this chaos, as he told Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast, “The direction things are going, it’s not a direction I want to be a part of.”

Stewart’s history with NASCAR’s leadership is checkered. Fined $25,000 in 2007 for post-race comments and another $35,000 in 2016 for safety concerns, he’s long clashed with the sanctioning body. Now, unburdened by team ownership, Stewart is speaking freely, and his critique resonates with a growing chorus of dissent. Drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have also called out NASCAR’s rules, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently slammed the playoff waiver system as “ridiculous.” Stewart’s exit and outspokenness mark a turning point, raising questions about whether NASCAR can ignore its legends any longer.

The Charter System Fallout: A “Joke” Fueling Rebellion

At the heart of Stewart’s tirade is NASCAR’s charter system, a lightning rod for controversy in 2024. Designed to stabilize team finances, charters guarantee race entries and a share of revenue, but the latest agreement, covering 2025-2031, has sparked outrage. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign, filing an antitrust lawsuit accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices. The lawsuit claims NASCAR’s terms limit team revenue and control charter transfers, stifling competition. Stewart, no longer bound by NASCAR’s fines, didn’t mince words: “The charter agreements are a joke. People need to read between the lines.”

The closure of Stewart-Haas Racing was tangled in this mess. SHR planned to sell its four charters, but NASCAR blocked transfers to 23XI and Front Row, citing their refusal to sign the agreement. This left drivers like Chase Briscoe (now at Joe Gibbs Racing), Noah Gragson (Front Row Motorsports), and Josh Berry (Wood Brothers Racing) scrambling for new teams, while Ryan Preece landed at RFK Racing. Gene Haas retained one charter for the new Haas Factory Team, but Stewart wanted out entirely, citing the “chaos” of NASCAR’s battles with team owners. “I’m happy being done with this,” he said, embracing his new role in NHRA drag racing, where he won his first Top Fuel race in April 2025.

The charter dispute has exposed cracks in NASCAR’s foundation. Richard Childress, another team owner, said he had “no choice” but to sign the agreement, while Hamlin warned that 23XI might not race in 2025 without a resolution. Stewart’s comments amplify this unrest, suggesting that even NASCAR’s most successful figures feel alienated. Fans on X have rallied behind Stewart, with one post calling his critique “the truth NASCAR doesn’t want to hear.” The lawsuit’s outcome, still pending as of May 2025, could reshape the sport—or deepen its divisions.

Fan Reactions: Stewart as the Voice of a Frustrated Fandom

Tony Stewart’s fiery words have ignited the NASCAR fanbase, with reactions pouring in across X, Reddit, and beyond. His blunt honesty, once a source of fines, is now a badge of honor for fans fed up with NASCAR’s direction. Here’s a look at the most striking responses:

• Rallying Behind Stewart: Many fans see Stewart as a truth-teller, unafraid to challenge NASCAR’s ivory tower. “Tony Stewart calling out NASCAR’s ignorant leadership is why he’s a legend. They’ve been screwing teams for years,” one X user posted. Another wrote, “Smoke saying the charter system is a joke? He’s speaking for every fan who’s sick of this mess.” These reactions reflect a growing distrust in NASCAR’s leadership, with Stewart as their champion.

• Calls for Change: Stewart’s comments have fueled demands for reform. “Put Tony Stewart, Dale Jr., and Mark Martin in charge of NASCAR. They’d fix this in a heartbeat,” one fan tweeted, echoing a sentiment shared across platforms. Others pointed to specific grievances, like inconsistent penalties and the Next Gen car’s issues, as evidence that NASCAR needs new leadership. “Stewart’s right—data doesn’t trump drivers who live this sport,” a Reddit user argued.

• Skeptics and Defenders: Not all fans agree with Stewart’s approach. Some argue he’s burning bridges after profiting from NASCAR for decades. “Tony Stewart made millions from NASCAR. Now he’s trashing them? Sounds like sour grapes,” one X user wrote. Others defended NASCAR’s data-driven decisions, with a commenter noting, “Stewart’s old-school, but NASCAR has to evolve. Data’s part of that.” These voices highlight the divide between traditionalists and those embracing NASCAR’s modern era.

• Nostalgia and Humor: Stewart’s outburst sparked nostalgic reflections, with fans recalling his fiery days as “Smoke.” “Tony Stewart going off on NASCAR is peak 2007 energy. Miss this guy,” one X post read. Another quipped, “Stewart’s out here throwing punches like he did in the pits. NASCAR better duck!” The humor underscores Stewart’s enduring appeal, even as he shifts to NHRA.

Stewart’s influence is undeniable. With over 700,000 followers on X and a NASCAR Hall of Fame induction, his words carry weight. His comments have amplified existing tensions, aligning with criticisms from Kyle Busch about penalty rules and Dale Earnhardt Jr. about the playoff system. The fan fanbase’s response shows a community hungry for change, with Stewart as their reluctant spokesperson.

NASCAR’s Crossroads: Can It Weather the Storm?

Tony Stewart’s attack comes at a precarious moment for NASCAR. The sport faces mounting challenges: soaring charter costs, legal battles, and fan discontent over rules like the “Kyle Larson Rule” for playoff waivers. Kyle Busch’s recent reflections on his “immature” mistakes and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s critique of NASCAR’s playoff format highlight a broader unrest among the sport’s biggest names. Stewart’s exit from NASCAR, coupled with his scathing remarks, raises questions about the sport’s ability to retain its legends and their fans.

Stewart’s praise for NASCAR’s international expansion, like the 2025 race in Mexico City, shows he’s not entirely dismissive of the sport’s growth. But his disdain for the France family’s leadership and their handling of veterans—many of whom were pushed out in 2024—cuts deep. “People I respected were forced out,” he said on The Bubba the Love Sponge Show, lamenting the loss of figures like Jim Hunter and Mike Helton’s diminished role. Stewart’s nostalgia for the era of Bill France Jr. underscores his belief that NASCAR has lost its soul.

The NASCAR community is watching closely. Stewart’s move to NHRA, where he’s thriving as a Top Fuel driver and new father, suggests he’s found peace outside the stock car world. Yet, he hasn’t ruled out returning to NASCAR events as a fan, telling SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “I miss the people. I’ll be back to see everybody.” His hard card as a Hall of Famer ensures access, but his influence as a critic may prove more powerful.

What’s Next for Stewart and NASCAR?

As NASCAR heads into the 2025 season’s climax, Tony Stewart’s explosive comments have lit a fuse. Will his critique force NASCAR to address its charter system and leadership issues, or will the sanctioning body dig in? The antitrust lawsuit, ongoing as of May 2025, could be a tipping point, with 23XI and Front Row fighting for team rights. Meanwhile, Stewart’s success in NHRA—including his April 2025 win in Las Vegas with wife Leah Pruett and newborn son Dominic in victory lane—shows he’s not slowing down.

For fans, Stewart’s outburst is a rallying cry. Posts on X call him “the voice NASCAR needs,” while others urge him to join forces with Hamlin and Earnhardt Jr. to “save the sport.” Whether Stewart’s words spark reform or simply cement his legacy as NASCAR’s unfiltered rebel, one thing is clear: Smoke is still burning, and the NASCAR world can’t look away. Stay tuned, because this controversy is far from the checkered flag.