Tony Stewart was supposed to be the grand marshal for the Cup Series race at Homestead. However, that did not happen.
The Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner was designated to give the command to fire engines for the race. Instead, country singer Kip Moore performed this role.
And could Stewart’s recent stance towards NASCAR have played a role in it?
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Saw this when looking up start times for today: Tony Stewart was originally supposed to be grand marshal for Homestead and give the command to fire engines. However, country singer Kip Moore (who is doing a pre-race concert) will now give the command instead (announced Friday). pic.twitter.com/W2QvYb0nly
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 23, 2022
Stewart has been highly critical of NASCAR’s actions in recent weeks. And most of his has got to do with his team being fined by NASCAR. First, on October 2nd, Kevin Harvick was docked 100 points and his crew chief Rodney Childers was fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races for alleged modifications in their car.
Not only that, another SHR driver Cole Custer was fined $100,000 for attempting to help his teammate helping his teammate Chase Briscoe by blocking path of other drivers.
In light of the situation, Stewart was heard saying that he would prefer not to even be in the races if he could.
“I’m so mad at NASCAR right now. I’m not talking about it…If it weren’t for the fact that I’ve got appearances to make, I wouldn’t be at another NASCAR race for the rest of the year. Wouldn’t waste my time.”
However, the situation with NASCAR had nothing to do with the change of plans for the grand marshal at Homestead, revealed a spokesperson for Stewart-Haas Racing:
“It was merely a scheduling issue that we needed to address. Tony voluntarily stepped down from the grand marshal position so that he had the time to engage with partners associated with Stewart-Haas Racing that were onsite at Homestead.”
Looking for a new weekend hobby (something not south eastern based) if anyone has any ideas. Something low drama and relaxing preferably
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) October 11, 2022
Nonetheless, Stewart feud with NASCAR continues for now.