NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has stirred the pot with bold comments about the current state of the Daytona 500. Once considered the crown jewel of stock car racing, the iconic event is no longer held in the same regard by Stewart, who believes its reputation has been damaged in recent years. According to him, the race has lost its elite status — not because of changes to the format or rules, but due to what he sees as a trend of unqualified or “undeserving” drivers taking the checkered flag.
In a recent interview, Stewart didn’t hold back his frustration. He argued that the race, which used to be won by the sport’s best and most consistent drivers, has now become more of a lottery than a true test of skill. He cited recent winners who, in his opinion, hadn’t proven themselves throughout the season or in other major events, and yet managed to pull off surprise victories in Daytona due to chaotic race conditions, frequent wrecks, and pack racing dynamics.
Stewart emphasized that the Daytona 500 used to be a showcase for NASCAR’s elite, a race that separated champions from the rest. But now, he says, it feels like anyone in the field has a shot, regardless of their track record or experience. While he acknowledged that upsets can be exciting for fans, he warned that the sport risks cheapening one of its most historic events if it continues down this path.
His remarks have sparked debate, reigniting questions about the balance between accessibility and prestige in modern NASCAR.
