“I’m a 15-year-old trapped in a 34-year-old body.” That was Tony Stewart’s way of explaining his fiery nature during his NASCAR days. The three-time Cup Series champion was never afraid to speak his mind, throw a punch, or even toss his helmet in frustration. Stewart embraced his bad-boy persona like no other, unleashing expletive-laced rants, engaging in heated confrontations, and even receiving fines for physical altercations.
But the man who once prided himself on his aggressive and rebellious ways has taken a surprising turn. Instead of making headlines for feuds, he is now making waves with an $8 billion partner to support underprivileged kids. The shift is so stark that it feels like a complete character transformation. He has partnered with Novant Health to build a new pediatric care unit in Charlotte. Speaking about it, he recently revealed the biggest motivation behind the special partnership.
Tony Stewart turns his heel nature!
Over the years, Tony Stewart’s philanthropic efforts have been well-documented. Following the heartbreaking closure of The Tony Stewart Foundation in 2024, many thought his days of charitable work were behind him. Many thought that SHR’s exit from NASCAR was directly related to the closure of TSF. However, in a stunning turn of events, Stewart has doubled down on his commitment to making a difference. In a recent partnership with Novant Health, Tony Stewart funded a cutting-edge pediatric care unit.
Stewart himself emphasized the importance of this initiative, making it clear that this was about more than just putting his name on a building. “It’s truly about these kids, and you realize this is something that, when you have the opportunity, you can support something like this for these children—that becomes the priority. It’s a huge honor to have our name associated with Novant Health. Even though our name’s on it, it’s not about that. It’s about the children and the families we’re supporting,” Stewart said in a video.
Notably, the project will see the construction of a six-bed pediatric care unit that will serve 2,100 children annually. Designed to bridge the gap between intensive and general care, the unit will ensure that young patients receive top-tier medical attention. The facility will open in December 2025 with an under-the-sea theme to create a soothing atmosphere for kids battling serious health conditions.
I’m so glad to be part of the effort to help open an intermediate care unit at @NovantHealth Hemby Children’s Hospital! #HelpingOthers #MakingADifference #NovantHealth #HembyChildrensHospital pic.twitter.com/aTaS0gpDNc
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 24, 2025
Three-time Cup Series champion, along with his wife Leah Pruett, has already contributed with a staggering $2.25 million donation. His contribution will accelerate the project’s progress as the Novant Health Foundation and other donors work together to make this vision a reality. Given that Novant Health operates with an $8 billion valuation, this partnership will have a long-lasting impact on pediatric care in Charlotte.
Notably, Stewart’s transformation isn’t just about charitable donations—it’s personal. Since stepping away from full-time racing and embracing a new chapter in life, Smoke has evolved. The biggest reason? His newborn son and wife, Leah Pruett. Since his first child, Stewart has been vocal about wanting to set a better example for his son. The man who once said he “didn’t give a crap” about consequences is now thinking long-term. Stewart aims to make a lasting impact off the track. However, he hasn’t completely left his racing instincts behind. In fact, he is gearing up for another high-voltage season in NHRA’s Top Fuel category.
Stewart is set to start another NHRA season!
While Tony Stewart’s NASCAR days are over, his competitive spirit remains intact. Stewart aims to bounce back stronger in 2025 after a humbling first season in NHRA Top Fuel. In his debut season, he made it to playoffs but failed to win a single race in the Top Fuel category. For a driver used to dominating every motorsport series he enters, this debut run was a shocker. But Stewart isn’t one to back down from a challenge.
With Leah Pruett stepping away from racing to care for their son, Stewart is taking full control of the TSR Nitro dragster in 2025. His biggest opportunity comes at the Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout. He will participate in the eight-car speciality race at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gator Nationals. This will be Stewart’s first time in the event, and he’s eager to make a statement.
Stewart enters the event as the eighth seed, replacing NHRA legend Tony Schumacher. This means another driver will call him out in the first round. Speaking about the event he said, “I’m looking forward to competing in the Top Fuel Callout. The field is stacked with talent, and we won’t know who we are up against until we get there. That adds an exciting element to the event.”
Notably, if he wins, he will get a chance to pick his next opponent, making the strategy as crucial as speed. NHRA veteran Steve Torrence will get the first opportunity to pick his opponent. The first round of the event will take place on March 7th while the main race will be on March 9th.
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