What drama?

Schwartz Fan · 04-10-2008

What drama? Tony Stewart enjoying being out of NASCAR spotlight
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer
5 hours, 8 minutes ago

DETROIT (AP)—Tony Stewart and Kid Rock stood shoulder to shoulder when the musician wanted the assembled media to know something about the two-time NASCAR champion.

“He’s the greatest guy ever,” Kid Rock said Wednesday.

Stewart smirked.

“I thought we had an agreement about that so we wouldn’t ruin each other’s reputation,” Stewart said.

Stewart and Kid Rock—who became friends several years ago during a concert in Charlotte, N.C.,—spent some time together when the driver was at the Motor City Casino to promote the first of two races this summer at Michigan International Speedway.

Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said he saw Stewart’s name on a sign when he was at the casino for a meeting and decided to come say hello.

“Don’t you have a job?” Stewart joked.

Part of Stewart’s unofficial job description has included being at the center of attention because of his actions and words.

But it has been a month since Stewart created a stir—criticizing the quality of Goodyear’s tires at Atlanta Motor Speedway—and he hasn’t made news by lashing out at fellow drivers or the media in a long time.

Stewart insists staying out of the spotlight does not take a concentrated effort.

“It’s not by design. It’s really who I am,” he said. “If somebody does me wrong, I do what I do.

“But all the stupid stuff I’ve done in the past is because I’m very emotional and passionate. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and think about what I’m going to say before I say it.”

Stewart does not regret his decision to complain publicly and loudly about Goodyear’s product or about NASCAR’s exclusive deal with the company.

“I went way overboard because I wanted to make sure somebody high enough at Goodyear got the message,” he said. “And we got the message delivered that day.”

Generally speaking, though, Stewart said it has been easy to stay relatively calm this year—despite being winless through seven races—because of clean racing.

“There is a respect level that I don’t think has been as high as it’s been,” he said. “Guys that I didn’t work well with on the track last year have been some of the best guys this year.

“It’s not like we sent Christmas cards after last year, but guys realize they can’t get into the weekly scuffle because that could be the difference in making the Chase or not.”

Stewart, who is fifth in the driver standings, is upbeat about his season even though the results haven’t been impressive.

He’s hoping that will change at this week’s race in Arizona.

“We haven’t gotten a win yet, but I’ve had more fun with my team this year than I ever have,” Stewart said. “And even without a win, I feel like I’ve driven some of the best races of my career.”

And speaking of his career, Stewart said he plans to end it with Joe Gibbs Racing.

“I always have from Day 1,” he said, trying to quiet questions about him leaving for another team when his contract expires after next season. “There is nothing broke right now, so nothing needs to be fixed. Joe is a great, great friend.”

What drama? Tony Stewart enjoying being out of NASCAR spotlight - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports

SmokeFan14 · 04-10-2008

Good article, SF, thanks for posting it!

revvinjim · 04-10-2008

Thanks, SF. It doesn't look like he's going to a Chevy team after next year.

SmokeFan14 · 04-10-2008

He'll go, or stay, where he can win 'cause he hates losing. As long as he's win at JGR he'll stay with JGR, even if they switch to Kenworth's.

04-10-2008	#1 (permalink)
Schwartz Fan Co-Administrator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The flatlands...Where dirt is for farming, clay is for racin' and asphalt is for gettin there!!! Posts: 10,112	What drama? What drama? Tony Stewart enjoying being out of NASCAR spotlight By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer 5 hours, 8 minutes ago DETROIT (AP)—Tony Stewart and Kid Rock stood shoulder to shoulder when the musician wanted the assembled media to know something about the two-time NASCAR champion. “He’s the greatest guy ever,” Kid Rock said Wednesday. Stewart smirked. “I thought we had an agreement about that so we wouldn’t ruin each other’s reputation,” Stewart said. Stewart and Kid Rock—who became friends several years ago during a concert in Charlotte, N.C.,—spent some time together when the driver was at the Motor City Casino to promote the first of two races this summer at Michigan International Speedway. Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, said he saw Stewart’s name on a sign when he was at the casino for a meeting and decided to come say hello. “Don’t you have a job?” Stewart joked. Part of Stewart’s unofficial job description has included being at the center of attention because of his actions and words. But it has been a month since Stewart created a stir—criticizing the quality of Goodyear’s tires at Atlanta Motor Speedway—and he hasn’t made news by lashing out at fellow drivers or the media in a long time. Stewart insists staying out of the spotlight does not take a concentrated effort. “It’s not by design. It’s really who I am,” he said. “If somebody does me wrong, I do what I do. “But all the stupid stuff I’ve done in the past is because I’m very emotional and passionate. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and think about what I’m going to say before I say it.” Stewart does not regret his decision to complain publicly and loudly about Goodyear’s product or about NASCAR’s exclusive deal with the company. “I went way overboard because I wanted to make sure somebody high enough at Goodyear got the message,” he said. “And we got the message delivered that day.” Generally speaking, though, Stewart said it has been easy to stay relatively calm this year—despite being winless through seven races—because of clean racing. “There is a respect level that I don’t think has been as high as it’s been,” he said. “Guys that I didn’t work well with on the track last year have been some of the best guys this year. “It’s not like we sent Christmas cards after last year, but guys realize they can’t get into the weekly scuffle because that could be the difference in making the Chase or not.” Stewart, who is fifth in the driver standings, is upbeat about his season even though the results haven’t been impressive. He’s hoping that will change at this week’s race in Arizona. “We haven’t gotten a win yet, but I’ve had more fun with my team this year than I ever have,” Stewart said. “And even without a win, I feel like I’ve driven some of the best races of my career.” And speaking of his career, Stewart said he plans to end it with Joe Gibbs Racing. “I always have from Day 1,” he said, trying to quiet questions about him leaving for another team when his contract expires after next season. “There is nothing broke right now, so nothing needs to be fixed. Joe is a great, great friend.” What drama? Tony Stewart enjoying being out of NASCAR spotlight - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports __________________

04-10-2008	#2 (permalink)
SmokeFan14 New & Improved! Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,517	Good article, SF, thanks for posting it! __________________ Lewis Black on Soy Milk: There’s no such thing as soy milk. It’s soy juice. But they couldn’t sell soy juice, so they called it soy milk. Because anytime you say soy juice, you actually start to gag… We all know why there’s no soy milk, don't we? Because there’s no soy titty, is there? I was always told that in order to have milk, you must have breasts, and I have yet to see a soy bean with breasts! "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You put 4 wheels on a cockroach and Tony Stewart will find a way to win with it." - Mike Joy

04-10-2008	#3 (permalink)
revvinjim Resident Old Fart Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 2,992	Thanks, SF. It doesn't look like he's going to a Chevy team after next year. __________________ Never argue with an idiot--people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

04-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
SmokeFan14 New & Improved! Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,517	He'll go, or stay, where he can win 'cause he hates losing. As long as he's win at JGR he'll stay with JGR, even if they switch to Kenworth's. __________________ Lewis Black on Soy Milk: There’s no such thing as soy milk. It’s soy juice. But they couldn’t sell soy juice, so they called it soy milk. Because anytime you say soy juice, you actually start to gag… We all know why there’s no soy milk, don't we? Because there’s no soy titty, is there? I was always told that in order to have milk, you must have breasts, and I have yet to see a soy bean with breasts! "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You put 4 wheels on a cockroach and Tony Stewart will find a way to win with it." - Mike Joy

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