Tony Stewart, the NASCAR legend and three-time Cup Series champion, is not letting his 2024 departure from Stewart-Haas Racing slow him down. Despite stepping away from NASCAR due to frustrations with the sport’s direction, Stewart is now eyeing a new and thrilling challenge: the Extreme E series. This off-road electric racing championship, known for its rugged terrains and sustainability-focused events, has caught the attention of the 53-year-old racing icon.
According to sources close to Stewart, who spoke with Motorsport.com, the driver sees Extreme E as a perfect fit to reignite his competitive spirit. The series’ unique blend of environmental innovation and off-road racing provides a fresh challenge that aligns with Stewart’s desire to push boundaries in motorsports. The series, which uses electric SUVs racing in remote locations, offers something vastly different from the oval tracks Stewart is known for dominating, giving him the opportunity to explore new terrain both literally and figuratively.
Stewart’s involvement with Extreme E is still in the early stages, but discussions are reportedly underway with potential teams for a 2026 debut. His recent success in other racing formats, including winning the 2021 Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) championship and a recent NHRA Top Fuel victory, indicates that he is still as competitive as ever. These accomplishments have further fueled his desire to conquer new racing challenges, and Extreme E represents the next step in his evolution as a driver.
The news of Stewart’s interest in Extreme E has sparked excitement among fans, especially those who have followed his storied career. Many fans took to social media, with one user calling it “Smoke’s wildest move yet,” referencing his well-known nickname, “Smoke.” Stewart’s hunger for competition remains strong, and this move into electric off-road racing could be the next thrilling chapter in his already legendary career.
Additionally, Stewart is preparing for another life milestone, fatherhood, with his wife, Leah Pruett. Despite the changes in his personal life, his drive to continue racing and finding new challenges remains unwavering. Stewart has never been one to shy away from pursuing new frontiers, and Extreme E offers him a platform to not only showcase his racing skills but also to be part of a growing movement focused on sustainability and environmental impact in motorsports.
This potential new chapter in Stewart’s career highlights his unrelenting desire to remain at the forefront of racing, even as his focus shifts from traditional NASCAR to innovative and eco-conscious racing formats. The combination of his competitive nature, his passion for motorsports, and his interest in sustainability could make him a perfect fit for Extreme E, bringing new excitement to the series.
In summary, Tony Stewart’s decision to pursue a future in Extreme E signals that his hunger for racing is far from over. Despite stepping away from NASCAR, he remains determined to challenge himself in new and exciting ways, ensuring that his legacy as one of the sport’s most innovative and competitive drivers continues to grow. As he sets his sights on this electrifying new venture, fans eagerly await what could be one of the most intriguing moves in his illustrious career.