September 7, 2002

Friday night, he triumphantly climbed from his truck and celebrated his NASCAR Craftsman Truck series win in Richmond’s Victory Lane. Less than twenty-four hours later, news broke that he is being investigated for an alleged assault. Tony Stewart has certainly seen better times than these.

Four weeks ago, Stewart first found himself under the microscope following the Brickyard 400. After finishing twelfth in the race this hometown boy so desperately wanted to win, Stewart abandoned his race car and headed for his motor home. Gary Mook, a freelance photographer working for the Indianapolis Star that weekend, followed Stewart, snapping pictures as the driver tried to evade the press. Stewart, in frustration, allegedly shoved and punched Mook.

After an investigation by NASCAR, Stewart was fined $10,000 and was placed on probation through the end of the season. Home Depot, sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing #20 car, went one step further, finding Stewart $50,000 and putting him on probation through the end of the season.

The Home Depot driver publicly admitted his error in the Mook altercation and even dedicated his win one week later to the wronged photographer. Stewart then announced that he was seeking anger management therapy.

Tony Stewart is an extraordinary driver. He has proven himself in the IRL as its champion in 1997. He was the NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 1999, setting the standard for wins by a rookie with 3 victories that year. Stewart has seen success in sprint cars, IROC, and now, trucks alike. He’s done the Indy 500-Coca Cola 600 double-duty twice in his career, and in 2001, finished with a Top 10s in each race. Clearly, his talent cannot be questioned; he can drive the wheels off of just about anything with tires.

But this latest assault probe sparks the debate once again. How much space does a driver need or deserve after a race – none, some, any? Must media representatives and fans give drivers time to “cool down”? Where does the responsibility lie to keep control of the situation – with the driver, with the race fans and media, or both?

This most recent investigation stems from an alleged assault by Stewart against a female fan following the Bristol night race. The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office is looking into an allegation that Stewart pushed a female fan on pit road after the Sharpie 500. Investigators and District Attorney General H. Greeley Wells Jr. were at Richmond International Speedway today and took six statements about the alleged incident.

Who knows where this investigation will lead? Only time will tell what the true facts are, but this latest accusation provokes thought. Are race car drivers different than normal human beings? If Joe Corporate resorted to physical aggression when feeling frustrated, cornered, or at wits end, would that be acceptable? If Joe Corporate was constantly followed through his every move throughout the workday, would he understand how Tony Stewart feels – stalked, too public, no time to himself, needing “just a minute”? Is it odd that these incidents only involve Tony Stewart and not other popular, successful drivers such as Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr.?

So, where does responsibility lie? Perhaps with both parties. Fans and media members in the garage area or pits need to establish some barriers. These drivers are working and are entitled to some space and time – to work or to cool down. It doesn’t really matter which. And drivers need to understand the limits of their frustrations. Let your words speak for you, gentlemen. For in this case, actions do not speak louder than words.

No one knows what this latest investigation will lead to, for only time will tell the truth for all parties involved. And may this be the last time this year we hear of such things. Enough is enough.

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