Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick have built a memorable rapport in NASCAR, characterized by their mutual sense of humor and playful interactions. Their unique dynamic flourished during Patrick’s time at Stewart-Haas Racing, adding a distinct energy to the garage environment, even as Patrick faced the pressures of being a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport. The Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick NASCAR relationship was defined as much by behind-the-scenes moments as it was by competition on the track.
Patrick’s entry into the Cup Series began in 2012. Despite starting ten races that season, she managed only one top-20 finish. But for Patrick, the camaraderie among the Stewart-Haas Racing team helped offset her on-track challenges. Stewart, who co-owned the team, became a close ally with a notorious reputation for keeping the mood light with practical jokes.
Shared Humor Shaped Their Dynamic
Stewart has long been recognized for pulling pranks on his crew and colleagues. One of his most legendary stunts involved surprising a crew member who was fixing his car by dousing him with brake fluid and setting him alight—a story still recounted in the paddock. Patrick quickly learned to remain vigilant in the garage, often keeping her hair tied back in case Stewart decided to target her next, though that particular moment never arrived. Their unmistakable connection grew out of this shared mischief, as both drivers enjoyed banter and gentle ribbing, fostering a sense of equality and ease within their circle.
Patrick described their friendship by saying,
“We’re smartasses, and luckily we play well together and have fun with it.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR driver. Stewart echoed her sentiment, remarking,
“That’s what makes her such a good fit already. Nobody feels they have to treat her any different. She’s led us all that direction to where nobody feels uncomfortable treating her like any of the other guys, and it’s just been natural.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR team owner and driver. Later, Stewart elaborated on how Patrick’s conduct dissolved any urge to treat her differently:
“She tells dirty jokes. You name it. It’s very easy — because she’s small in stature and attractive to look at her and want to treat her different, but she just acts like one of the guys.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR team owner and driver.
Patrick and Stewart: Two Peas in a Pod
The parallels between Stewart and Patrick did not go unnoticed by the Stewart-Haas Racing staff. Tony Gibson, Patrick’s crew chief for the #10 car, noted,
“I’d say she is the female version of Tony Stewart. They’ll just dig on one another. She’s always picking on you, always joking. That’s good. We need that. She needs that. That helps her be relaxed around us.”
—Tony Gibson, NASCAR crew chief. This climate of lightheartedness encouraged Patrick to perform at her best and build strong relationships among her colleagues, which was vital for someone breaking new ground in the series.
Reuniting in the Broadcast Booth
After years apart since their days as driver and owner, Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick are set to reconnect professionally. The two will share the Fox Sports broadcast booth for coverage of the upcoming Indy 500 race, bringing their well-known dynamic to television audiences. This reunion offers fans a fresh look at their chemistry, this time in the world of motorsport commentary.
The ongoing friendship and professional synergy between Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick highlight enduring bonds forged in NASCAR. Their reunion on-air for the Indy 500 signals a new chapter, demonstrating how connections made in the garage can resonate long after the racing stops—keeping the spirit and story of their relationship alive for a new audience.
