In a week that has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, Tony Stewart—one of racing’s most iconic figures—has just made a career-defining decision after months of internal turmoil. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson, fresh off a string of victories, has made headlines for comments that have left fans and drivers divided. Here’s how these two stories are changing the landscape of American racing in 2025.
Tony Stewart Makes History, Then Drops a Bombshell
On April 14, 2025, Tony Stewart added another milestone to his legendary career by capturing his first-ever NHRA Top Fuel victory at the 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. This win didn’t just mark a personal triumph; it made Stewart the first driver in history to claim victories in both NASCAR and NHRA Top Fuel, cementing his status as a true motorsports legend.
Stewart’s winning run was nothing short of spectacular—a 3.870-second pass at 317.42 mph, holding off reigning world champion Antron Brown by a razor-thin margin. “You sure as hell appreciate it more when you struggle like we did. All the credit goes to this team. I’m so proud of my guys,” Stewart said after the race, giving credit to his crew and support system for their relentless dedication.
But the real shock came just hours later. In a candid interview with FOX Sports, Stewart announced that he will never return as a NASCAR team owner. “I’m not going to own a team in NASCAR ever again,” Stewart declared, putting to rest months of speculation about his future in the stock car world1. This decision follows a period of internal issues and shifting priorities, especially as Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, stepped away from racing to focus on their family, and Stewart himself embraced new challenges in drag racing2.
The Fallout and What It Means for Racing
Stewart’s announcement signals a major shift for the sport. As the former head of Stewart-Haas Racing, his influence shaped NASCAR for over a decade. Now, his focus is squarely on NHRA, where his rookie season has already turned heads—finishing ninth in the standings and earning the NHRA Rookie of the Year award2. With Stewart’s multi-year extension with Dodge and Stellantis, fans can expect his presence in drag racing to grow even stronger.
This move also highlights the evolving nature of motorsports careers. Stewart’s ability to transition from NASCAR to NHRA—and win—shows that adaptability and passion are more important than ever. It’s a message to both fans and aspiring drivers: the future of racing is about breaking boundaries and embracing new challenges.
Kyle Larson’s Comments Stir Controversy
While Stewart was making headlines with his historic win and career pivot, Kyle Larson was dominating on the track—and off it, with words that have sparked fierce debate. Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, has been on a tear, winning both Xfinity and Cup Series races on back-to-back weekends at Bristol and Homestead.
But it’s what he said on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast that has everyone talking. Larson admitted that his motivation for racing in the Xfinity Series is, in his own words, “to embarrass them.” He explained, “I just want to embarrass NASCAR a little bit, because they just don’t let Cup guys run anymore. The kids probably think they’re in a good spot. They don’t know where the bar is really at”.
Larson’s comments have split the NASCAR community. Some fans appreciate his honesty and competitive spirit, arguing that Cup drivers pushing Xfinity regulars raises the level of the sport. Others, however, see it as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, especially given NASCAR’s recent rule changes that limit Cup drivers’ participation in lower-tier series.
Despite the backlash, Larson has backed up his words with dominant performances—building massive leads and proving his point on the track. His approach is forcing a conversation about how NASCAR develops young talent and the value of direct competition with the sport’s best.
What’s Next for Stewart, Larson, and the Racing World?
Tony Stewart’s decision to leave NASCAR ownership behind and focus on NHRA marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a new one. His journey from stock cars to dragsters is inspiring a new generation of racers to think beyond traditional boundaries.
Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s unapologetic attitude is challenging NASCAR to rethink its development pipeline and the role of veteran drivers in shaping the next wave of talent.
As both men continue to make headlines for very different reasons, one thing is clear: the world of motorsports is changing fast. Fans, teams, and drivers alike will be watching closely to see how these bold moves shape the future of racing in America.
