August 27, 2010
By Brenda Benedict
Dear Tony Stewart,
First of all, I want to apologize for Kenny Wallace's interview question to you in last Saturday's race at Bristol. The discussion of how you decide whether or not to shave is not a fitting topic for an interview of a top-flight NASCAR driver on national television.
But that brings to my mind an even bigger question.
Why don't you shave before a race?
I don't care about what your face looks like. Grow your facial hair down to your knees if you wish. But simply not shaving because you didn't feel like it -- what's that about? That is a different issue.
To a great share of your audience and your fans, simply not taking care of daily hygiene because you don't feel like it brings up more questions.
It is not a question of personal hygiene. It is a question of respect.
I'm not complaining about you Tony. I've been a loyal fan.
Back in 2008 when Mike Guy wrote "Where's There's Smoke" -- in Rolling Stone Magazine, I remained loyal to you. Guy showed a Tony Stewart who was hard living. The article which upset many fans didn't portray you in a very flattering light. I spoke with Mike Guy about his interview.
I wrote about Guy's reaction to my question back in 2008...Tony Stewart: Where There’s Smoke, Is There Fire?
Guy said that the article is an accurate but incomplete picture of the Tony Stewart he observed during that time. Guy stated that Stewart is a ‘nice guy, somewhat shy and a gentlemen’.
When I spoke with Guy, he stated that Stewart has a track persona that is different from the real Tony. Guy feels that this may be caused by the pressure cooker situation in a NASCAR driver’s life.
From Thursday through the race, there is constant pressure unlike any that Guy has seen in other professional sports. This relentless pressure is not only from the media but also from the fans and sponsors.
At that time, I felt that the Tony Stewart that Mike Guy wanted us to see was a hip, fast-living character who wasn't like the typical NASCAR driver. Maybe Mike Guy wanted us to see a Tony Stewart who would be the typical reader of Rolling Stone. That's a idea to pursue on a different day.
Your reaction to the controversy over the article was cold.
"Don't read it then," the two-time Sprint Cup champion said when asked if he worried the article might offend -- after qualifying 14th Friday at Auto Club Speedway at Fontana, California. "It's very easy. Rolling Stone is an edgy magazine, and it was an edgy article. Nobody forces that in front of anybody, so if you don't like what you're reading, don't read it."
Now you have caused a stir in the world of NASCAR media. Now I know that is a small group of people but I think what is happening with the journalists may be a small picture of bigger problems.
NASCAR's leading journalists such as Monte Dutton and Rick Minter are noting your attitude towards those who write about your world.
It really is a matter of respect. First I saw a lack of respect for women in the Rolling Stone. This has been followed by actions that show lack of respect for your fans and now lack of respect for the media.
I am a NASCAR fan and my main concern is that I see good racing. But I need to know that NASCAR is a sport worthy of my attention and loyalty. The actions of all involved in NASCAR plays into the equation.
Frank Deford, who in my estimation is one of the best sports writers today, spoke this week about the lack of role models in sports. What a summer this has been for sports. Tiger Woods, Roger Clemens and others that I'm not going to mention are keeping our attention. This attention isn't on their performance in their respective sports but rather their personal lives outside the arena of the sports stadium.
I ask you to realize that your preferences for who you are going to treat with respect has implications beyond the NASCAR press room or your motorhome. You are free to be you but understand that all of actions contribute to who you are.
I want to feel that I could ask you a question with respect and expect to be answered in a like manner.
Thank you,
A Loyal NASCAR Fan
You can follow me at Twitter @nascarfaithful
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.
