Bob Pockrass
FOX NASCAR Insider
Tony Stewart has dedicated the past few years to training for a drastically different kind of racing – one where cars achieve speeds of 330 mph in mere seconds.
While admitting it took time for his brain to process information at the rapid pace required in drag racing, he’s uncertain if that accelerated thinking now applies to everything. Then again, changing diapers might be a whole different ball game entirely.
“I’m trying to find every and any way I can to get out of having to change diapers,” Stewart shared in an interview weeks ago. “But my wife, she’s a very strong-willed woman. She’s made it perfectly clear that I am under no circumstances getting out of these responsibilities as a father and parent.”
“And I don’t blame her. It’s part of it.”
Stewart’s wife, Leah, is expecting in the next few weeks, and the impending arrival is the most exciting thing in his life. When they decided to start a family, Leah chose to step back from her Top Fuel car, and Stewart, still relatively new to drag racing, filled her shoes.
It hasn’t been easy. Like any
While racing success remains a goal for Stewart, he is focusing on consistently vying for wins in this new realm of drag racing. After leaving NASCAR behind, he has embraced the challenges and thrills of competing in top fuel dragsters, where vehicles rocket from 0 to 100 mph in just 60 feet and reach a top speed of 334 mph.
“The car is going down the track, and your brain’s behind it going, ‘Wait a minute, what’s going on? And how do I get caught up?’” Stewart explained. “But like anything else—if you want to lift weights, you’ve got to work up to it. Your brain has the ability to do exactly the same thing. It is caught up now in the car.”
“I know what the car is doing. If it moves, I know where it’s at. I know what to do to respond to it, but it took a while for my brain to get used to processing information as fast as it’s happening in a dragster.”
Heading into the National Hot Rod Association season finale at the Pomona (Calif.) Dragstrip this weekend, Stewart sits tenth in the standings. Despite reaching the finals once with his best finish being a runner-up at Sonoma, he has yet to advance past the first round in ten of nineteen events this year. He is, however, a contender for Rookie of the Year.
“I’d like to say it’s going great,” Stewart admitted. “But it’s been a struggle this year. … It was a big learning curve for me as a driver, for the team and the crew to tune the car to sit there and figure out how to make the car run better and perform the way that they need to perform.”
Stewart spent one year racing a top alcohol dragster before transitioning to the top fuel category this year. He boasts three victories in the top alcohol division.
“At the beginning of the season, I thought beyond a shadow of a doubt, I was going to be the weak link of the team,” he said. “I felt like the team was going to be better suited to win rounds and try to win races than I was going to be capable of at that time.
“Luckily, I’ve got a great wife who’s a great teacher, and I got up to speed fairly quickly on what I need to do as a driver to drive the car. We’ve just struggled.”
For Stewart, the biggest difference between his former racing life and current one lies in the mindset. He was accustomed to 3.5-hour races, but now competitions last a mere 3.5 seconds.
“Drivers are probably about 70 percent of the equation when it comes to success in sprint cars and NASCAR,” Stewart said. “That’s because of how they manipulate the car with their hands and feet, where they lift, and how they drive.”
He continued, “They can make adjustments within a certain degree to compensate if something isn’t working properly. NHRA is really different; it’s about 70 percent tuners and 30 percent drivers. I can’t personally make the car faster as a driver, but there are around 20 ways every run that I could mess up, slow it down, or cause catastrophic engine issues.”
The challenges this year included changes to chassis specifications that no one was sure would impact performance. There was another factor they had to consider. “Obviously, not having Leah in the car and adding a driver who is heavier, we knew that would be a factor,” Stewart said, “Just how big of a factor, we weren’t totally sure.”
Stewart isn’t certain if he’ll continue driving next season instead of his wife. The NHRA has implemented rules for point allocation if a driver utilizes a substitute partway through the season due to pregnancy or fertility treatment. These rules allow, in specific situations, for the replacement driver’s points to be transferred to the primary driver’s total.
“I’m not a woman,” Stewart said, “and honestly I have no clue what childbirth is like or what it takes to recover. I’m trying to learn more and read about it, but it’s not an easy journey to get back to full strength before pregnancy.”
He concluded, “We’re still figuring things out, but ultimately it will be Leah’s decision. This year I’m just filling in as the replacement driver. I’ve told everyone, I’ll drive until she’s ready to return. It is her race car and her team. When she wants back in, that seat will be waiting for her.”
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass .
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Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart: Navigating the Fast Lane of Drag Racing and Fatherhood
Racing legend Tony Stewart is a name synonymous with speed, grit, and undeniable talent. His legacy in NASCAR is well-documented, with three coveted Sprint Cup championships to his name. But beyond the roar of engines and checkered flags lies another facet of Stewart’s life: fatherhood. This article delves into the fascinating world of Tony Stewart, exploring how he balances his adrenaline-fueled passion for drag racing with the joys and responsibilities of raising a family.
From NASCAR to Drag Racing: A New Kind of Challenge
While NASCAR remains synonymous with Stewart’s career, his love for motorsports extends beyond stock cars. In recent years, he has found a new thrill in the world of drag racing. This high-octane discipline demands precision, split-second reactions, and an unwavering focus—qualities that Stewart honed during his long tenure in NASCAR.
- Drag racing presented a fresh challenge for Stewart, pushing him to learn new techniques and adapt his driving style
- The roar of the nitro engines and the sheer speed of dragsters captivated Stewart’s competitive spirit
- He quickly established himself as a formidable force in the drag racing world, showcasing his innate talent for piloting powerful machines
Balancing Act: Fatherhood Meets Motorsports
The life of a professional racer is demanding, requiring constant travel and long hours. But Stewart’s commitment to family remains steadfast. He strives to create a balance between his adrenaline-fueled passion for drag racing and the nurturing role of fatherhood.
Finding Quality Time: Making Memories Count
- Stewart values spending quality time with his daughter, despite his busy schedule
- He incorporates her interests into his activities whenever possible, teaching her about motorsports and taking her to races
- Their shared love of speed and competition builds a unique bond between father and daughter
Open Communication: Fostering Trust and Understanding
Stewart recognizes the importance of open communication with his family. He keeps them informed about his racing endeavors and actively listens to their concerns and perspectives.
- He encourages his daughter to pursue her passions, regardless of whether they align with his own
- Transparency and honesty are key principles in maintaining a strong family bond
- Stewart strives to be a role model for his daughter, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and integrity both on and off the track
The Benefits of Balancing Racing and Fatherhood
While balancing two demanding roles presents its own set of challenges, Stewart has found that this unique balance offers numerous benefits.
Personal Growth: Expanding Horizons and Building Resilience
- Drag racing and fatherhood have pushed Stewart to develop new skills and cultivate greater resilience
- He’s learned to navigate complex situations, prioritize effectively, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances
- These experiences have contributed to his personal growth and made him a more well-rounded individual
Enhanced Appreciation: Valuing Every Moment
The demands of racing and fatherhood often lead to intense periods of time management. This has fostered an appreciation for every moment spent with his family, making those moments even more precious.
Tips for Balancing a Similar Lifestyle
While following in the footsteps of Tony Stewart may seem daunting, there are practical tips that can help individuals navigate similar balancing acts:
Prioritization and Time Management: The Keys to Success
- Identify your core values and prioritize accordingly
- Create a schedule that allocates time for both work/hobbies and family commitments
- Leverage technology to streamline tasks and manage your time effectively
Open Communication: Building Strong Bonds
Honest conversations with loved ones are essential. Discuss expectations, concerns, and needs to ensure everyone feels supported and heard.
Self-Care: Avoiding Burnout
Make time for activities that recharge you physically and mentally. This could include exercise, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy.
