NASCAR Needs To Make Sure Stewart Gets Proper Farewell
Three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart was knocked out of the NASCAR Chase this past weekend which ends his bid to win his fourth title and pushes him out of the spotlight. NASCAR needs to make sure that spotlight remains close.
For Tony Stewart the 2016 season was about redemption on many levels. Stewart’s performance over the past few seasons coupled with injuries and off-tracks issues have resulted in less than stellar results in the Sprint Cup Series. Upon announcing that 2016 was going to be his last full-time season in NASCAR, many wondered if he could have a last run similar to what Jeff Gordon did in 2015.
Such a run seemed unlikely until Stewart got hot for seven races, one of which resulted in a win and him putting himself in position to qualify for the Chase. While not deemed a favorite to win the title, seeing him get to the final-four in his final season would have been awesome. Unfortunately, that did not happen and Stewart departed the Chase after the first round.
With Stewart now out of the title picture it only makes sense for the focus to move away from him. Sure, it’s his last season in NASCAR but there are 12 drivers competing for a title out there and it’s playoff time and that’s where the focus is going to be. While Stewart shouldn’t have the spotlight solely on himself, NASCAR needs to make sure that it at least remains in his area and touches on him in each of the last seven races of the 2016 season.
Love him or hate him, Stewart is a future Hall of Famer. You can count on one hand the number of drivers in NASCAR history that have won more championships that Stewart (4). Stewart might not have impacted NASCAR across the board like Gordon did, but his accomplishments within the sport deserve to properly be honored as his career comes to an end.
NASCAR needs to make sure that Stewart isn’t an afterthought over these last seven races. Stewart shouldn’t only be mentioned if he gets into a wreck or has an altercation with someone on the track. As a legend in this sport (yes he is a legend) Stewart deserves a proper farewell and hopefully they will provide that for him over the last seven races of the season.
Whether it be through his previous moments at the track, checking in with him during the race, showing career highlights, counting down his final races or something else; NASCAR needs to make sure they don’t drop the ball here.
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