Tony Stewart has enjoyed the brightest of spotlights, as both a championship-winning driver and team owner.
But Stewart, 43, also has a reputation as one of NASCAR's most volatile and aggressive drivers, dating back to the dawn of his Cup career. Stewart has been involved in numerous confrontations with other drivers and has retaliated several times following on-track incidents.
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Stewart's history and reputation cause many to wonder about his role his last week's sprint-car accident, in which 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. died after Stewart struck him with his car at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New york. Ward, who was involved in a crashwith Stewart, climbed from his car, walked onto the track and was approaching Stewart's car when he was hit. Authorities are investigating the incident but have said they have no evidence of criminal intent by Stewart.
Here's a look at some of Stewart's incidents with other drivers.
Oct. 3, 1999 — Stewart, then a rookie, was involved in multiple incidents with the late Kenny Irwin Jr. at Martinsville Motor Speedway, ending with Stewart in the wall and reaching through Irwin’s right-side window in retaliation. He also threw his heat shields at Irwin. Stewart was fined $5,000 by NASCAR.
February 2000, Daytona — Stewart and Robby Gordon got into each other on the track and in the garage during Speedweeks, with Stewart slapping at Gordon during a confrontation in the garage.
August 2000, Watkins Glen — Stewart and Jeff Gordon were involved in a post-race war of words in the garage after a crash. The two were separated by crew members.
March 2001, Bristol — Gordon spun Stewart in the closing laps of the Bristol spring race. Stewart spun out Gordon on pit road after the race.
July 2001, Daytona — The NASCAR media experienced Stewart’s emotion first-hand as Stewart slapped a tape recorder out of a reporter’s hand and kicked it under a team hauler. Stewart also got into a confrontation with Cup series director Gary Nelson. Stewart was fined $10,000 and placed on probation through season's end.
August 2002, Indianapolis — Stewart shoved a photographer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was placed on probation.
June 2004, Sonoma — Stewart was placed on probation after an altercation with Brian Vickers following the race. Described Vickers, "He hit the armrest and he reached in the car and he grabbed me in the chest and when he did, (he) hit me."
March 2005, Bristol — Stewart was fined $5,000 after intentionally hitting Vickers following a Busch Series race. He was placed on probation until year's end.
August 2006, Pocono — Stewart had a crash and dispute with Clint Bowyer on the track and after the race, hitting Bowyer's car on the cool-down lap. Stewart later claimed full responsibility.
June 2007, Dover — Stewart was involved in an on-track incident with Kurt Busch. Busch responded by charging at Stewart's car on pit road and almost hitting a member of Stewart’s pit crew.
February 2008, Daytona — Stewart was involved in a crash during practice with Busch, and they banged into each other on pit road. Afterward, Stewart allegedly punched Busch in a NASCAR hauler.
December 2011, Australia — Stewart is briefly jailed after throwing a helmet at and then fighting Parramatta City Raceway co-owner Brett Morris. Morris did not press charges but said, "I don't care who Tony Stewart is, if he wants to come to Australia and throw a helmet, he'd better learn to fight."
August 2012, Bristol — After being involved in a crash with Matt Kenseth, Stewart launches his helmet at Kenseth’s car when it passed on pit road.
April 2013, Fontana — Stewart got into it with Joey Logano on pit road and water bottles were thrown after Logano blocked Stewart on the track.
May 2013, Richmond — Stewart and Busch repeatedly banged their cars into each other during the cool-down laps after a skirmish on the track.