The story behind Tony Stewart’s 8-foot trophy began at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2006, where an intense battle unfolded on the track. While many focused on the race itself, the victory celebration brought something unexpected. Instead of a typical trophy, Tony Stewart received a towering bronze grizzly bear. The massive award, unlike anything seen before, became an instant conversation piece. Its meaning, design, and connection to Tony Stewart made it one of NASCAR’s most unforgettable prizes.
Key Highlights
- Tony Stewart won an 8-foot-tall bronze grizzly bear trophy at the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500.
- The grizzly bear trophy was unconventional, sparking conversations within the NASCAR community.
- The trophy symbolized Stewart’s personal interests in hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.
- Stewart humorously remarked on the difficulty of finding a place for the massive trophy.
- The trophy, nicknamed “Big Roar,” highlighted NASCAR’s tradition of unique and memorable awards.
Tony Stewart’s Dominance at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Tony Stewart’s performance at the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway was a masterclass in tactical racing.
Initially, the race’s attention was firmly affixed to championship hopefuls Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson. Early leaders such as Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, and Jeff Gordon set a formidable pace.
Yet, as the race unfolded, Stewart methodically navigated through the field, aligning himself with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a key contender.
In the race’s critical closing stages, Earnhardt Jr. found himself in a precarious position, leading but hampered by deteriorating tires.
Sensing the opportunity, Stewart executed a calculated overtaking maneuver with 12 laps remaining. This decisive move highlighted his adeptness at capitalizing on others’ vulnerabilities.
A Trophy Unlike Any Other in NASCAR
In an unexpected twist that defied traditional NASCAR norms, the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500 presented Tony Stewart with a truly unique accolade: an 8-foot-tall bronze grizzly bear trophy.
This extraordinary prize diverged markedly from the typical trophies awarded in NASCAR, marking a distinctive moment in the sport’s history. The sheer size and unusual nature of the trophy made it an immediate focal point for fans and drivers similarly, sparking conversations across the racing community.
The trophy for the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta was called “Big Roar,” a 300 pound, 8 foot tall bronze grizzly bear statue won by Tony Stewart
Today is World Bear Day pic.twitter.com/CgAeQV8Rxn
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) March 23, 2025
Tony Stewart himself, known for his frank humor, quipped about the challenge of finding a suitable place for the massive bear, jesting, “I just hope I don’t wake up one night and think it’s real.”
“I’m not sure where I’m gonna put this thing, but I’m guessing it’ll have to be outside, I just hope I don’t wake up one night and think it’s real.” – Tony Stewart
Why Big Roar Was Perfect for Tony Stewart
For Tony Stewart, the grizzly bear trophy awarded at the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500 was more than just an unusual keepsake; it was a symbolic convergence of his personal passions and professional achievements.
As an avid outdoorsman, Stewart’s affinity for hunting and fishing made the bear seem less like a mere trophy and more like a tribute to his lifestyle. Spending considerable time on his sprawling Indiana ranch, Stewart embodied the spirit of the wilderness, making the award deeply personal.
Furthermore, his longstanding partnership with Bass Pro Shops added a layer of significance to the trophy. The brand, synonymous with outdoor adventure, mirrored Stewart’s own interests, reinforcing the connection between his personal and professional worlds.
The grizzly bear trophy, aptly nicknamed “Big Roar,” was therefore a perfect fit for Stewart, capturing his love for the outdoors while celebrating his victory on the NASCAR track in a distinctly meaningful way.
Driver Reactions and the Mystery of Big Roar’s Whereabouts
How does one react to receiving such an unconventional trophy as the grizzly bear, “Big Roar”? The drivers’ responses ranged from humorous to perplexed.
Tony Stewart, the recipient, quipped that if the grizzly ever became cumbersome, he’d transform it into a hood ornament. This lighthearted remark encapsulated the general bewilderment shared among his peers.
Jeff Gordon humorously suggested affixing the bear to his motorhome, while Carl Edwards pondered if the trophy would even fit in his car, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by such an oversized award.
Despite the playful banter, the final whereabouts of Big Roar remain shrouded in mystery. It is widely speculated that the trophy now resides at Stewart’s expansive ranch in Indiana, a fitting habitat for such a formidable prize.
Yet, without confirmation, the grizzly’s exact location continues to intrigue, adding an enigmatic layer to its already storied existence.
NASCAR’s Tradition of Unique Trophies
While the fate of Big Roar remains an intriguing mystery, it serves as a demonstration of NASCAR’s longstanding tradition of awarding unique trophies. This tradition extends beyond the outlandish grizzly bear, with NASCAR consistently pushing the envelope in trophy design.
Iconic examples include the grandfather clock presented at Martinsville Speedway, a symbol of time-honored victory, and the live lobster from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which adds a touch of maritime whimsy to the victor’s circle.
The Bass Pro Shops 500 trophy, awarded to Tony Stewart, exemplifies NASCAR’s commitment to distinctive awards. Nearly two decades since its presentation, “Big Roar” stands as a reflection of the creativity and boldness that define NASCAR’s trophy heritage.
Bass Pro Shops’ involvement, through sponsorship of drivers like Austin Dillon and Martin Truex Jr., highlights a shared ethos of innovation. This partnership emphasizes a shared celebration of the extraordinary within the world of motorsport.
News in Brief: The Story Behind Tony Stewart’s 8-Foot Trophy
Tony Stewart’s victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway was marked not just by his skill but by the unprecedented trophy—a massive grizzly named Big Roar. This unique award exemplifies NASCAR’s tradition of memorable trophies, reflecting the sport’s vibrant culture.
Fellow drivers marveled at Big Roar, fueling curiosity about its location. Stewart’s connection to this extraordinary prize highlights his larger-than-life persona while reinforcing NASCAR’s legacy of individuality and innovation within the racing community.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q: How old was Tony Stewart when he started racing?
A: In 1979, an 8-year-old Tony Stewart posed with his 15 winning trophies, showcasing his early success in dirt racing. Stewart started his career in open-wheel cars before bringing his high-speed expertise to NASCAR.
Q: Who drives Tony Stewart’s Funny Car?
Matt Hagan competes as a professional NHRA Funny Car driver for Tony Stewart Racing.
Q: Why did Tony Stewart stop racing?
Tony Stewart recently discussed his decision to exit NASCAR after the 2024 season, citing sponsorship challenges as a key factor in Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure after 16 seasons.
ALSO READ: Tony Stewart Breaks Silence on His Son’s Racing Future and Admits the Sport Has Changed
