Tony Stewart may have explicitly said he didn’t want any special tributes in this his final season before retirement, but Jeff Gordon disregarded those wishes in the driver’s meeting prior to Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jeff Gordon pays tribute to retiring Tony Stewart prior to Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis
Gordon had some kind words for Stewart, who on Sunday is making his final start on his home track.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Gordon was called to the podium at the front of the room by NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell, who jokingly referred to Gordon as a part-time driver. The four-time champion -- who came out of retirement to fill in for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. this weekend -- then offered a tribute to Stewart, who is making his final start on his home state track that he adores.
“I think it’s only fitting, and Tony, I know that you don’t want to be recognized,” Gordon said. “You’ve been doing an amazing job this year, and I know you want to keep it on the lowdown, but I’m sorry, buddy. We’re in your home state. You were born and raised in Indiana. You’re at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I know as we’ve gotten to know one another as friends and competitors over the years what this place means to you. I think that this is not a year about saying goodbye. It’s a year about celebrating what you’ve done on the track and off the track. I think it’s only fitting that all of us in this room and along with all the millions of fans around the world, recognize what you’ve brought to this sport. Congratulate you on all that you’ve done, on and off the track. You’re a great person, but you’re a heck of a race car driver and say thank you.”
When Gordon concluded his remarks, Stewart received a standing ovation from drivers, crew chiefs, NASCAR executives and officials and others in the room.
Stewart was born in nearby Columbus, Ind., and grew up dreaming of one day racing at Indianapolis. The 44-year-old won the Brickyard 400 twice, and recorded a best finish of fifth in five Indianapolis 500 starts. He announced last September that 2016 would be his last as a full-time NASCAR competitor.
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