Tony Stewart, the legendary NASCAR driver, has finally addressed the swirling rumors about his possible retirement—and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In a recent episode of the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, the 53-year-old champion put an end to the speculation with his trademark humor and honesty. Despite stepping away from his co-ownership role at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024, Stewart made it clear that his passion for racing remains stronger than ever.
When asked about the possibility of retiring, Stewart brushed off the idea with a witty remark: “I’d think about retiring, but I’m too lazy to find a real job.” His lighthearted comment drew laughter from fans and listeners, but it also underscored his deep-rooted commitment to motorsports. Stewart, who won three NASCAR Cup Series championships during his storied career, isn’t ready to hang up his helmet just yet. Instead, he’s diving full-speed into a new racing chapter—one that’s already showing great promise.
Currently competing in the NHRA’s Top Fuel division, Stewart is quickly making a name for himself in the drag racing world. He recently celebrated a major milestone by securing his first NHRA Top Fuel win at the 2025 Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. This victory has propelled him to second place in the overall points standings, proving that his competitive edge is as sharp as ever. The win also reflects his adaptability and determination to succeed in a new and challenging discipline.
Stewart’s dedication to racing runs in the family. His father, Nelson Stewart, still competes at 86 years old—something Tony jokingly referenced during the podcast. “Genetically, I’ve got 30 more years!” he said, hinting that the Stewart racing legacy is far from finished. His father’s example appears to fuel his own drive to keep competing for as long as possible.
Although Stewart has been critical of NASCAR in recent years, expressing frustration with the direction of the sport, his affection for it remains. He revealed that he still plans to attend NASCAR events as a fan and will use his Hall of Fame hard card to gain access. Despite his criticisms, Stewart emphasized that he still loves the sport that made him a household name.
Meanwhile, his focus is firmly set on his current racing endeavors and the ongoing success of Tony Stewart Racing. This year marks the 25th season of the team, a significant milestone that showcases Stewart’s influence and longevity in the motorsports world—both on and off the track. His leadership and competitive spirit continue to drive the team forward in multiple racing disciplines.
Fans responded enthusiastically to Stewart’s comments, especially on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where they expressed admiration for his humor, candor, and unwavering passion. Many celebrated his refusal to bow out, viewing him as a symbol of perseverance and dedication in the ever-evolving racing landscape.
In a time when many athletes his age are winding down their careers, Tony Stewart is doing the opposite. He’s taking on new challenges, winning races, and building his legacy in new arenas. By shutting down retirement rumors with a mix of humor and heartfelt truth, Stewart reminded the racing world that he’s still a force to be reckoned with—and has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
