When Danica Patrick made the leap from IndyCar to NASCAR, the racing community was skeptical, questioning her place in the predominantly male sport. Yet, Tony Stewart unwavering support for Danica Patrick in NASCAR remained a constant force, helping her navigate heavy scrutiny and achieve a historic milestone at the Daytona 500.
Known for being the most successful woman in American open-wheel racing, Patrick’s move generated public debate, with many weighing in on whether she truly belonged. Amid this uproar, Tony Stewart—her team owner at Stewart-Haas Racing—stood by her side, prioritizing her learning curve over short-term results. Stewart’s belief and guidance would eventually play a crucial role in Patrick’s historic moments on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Early NASCAR Challenges and Stewart’s Steadfast Encouragement
Patrick’s first appearance with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series ended abruptly after a crash left her finishing in 35th position. Detractors seized on this result, fueling doubt about her potential. Stewart, however, took a contrasting view. Rather than dwelling on the mishap, he highlighted the value of the experience she gained on track.
This encouraging perspective wasn’t just a momentary show of support. Stewart later brought Patrick to Stewart-Haas Racing, his own Cup Series team, marking a new chapter for her and their growing partnership. Under Stewart’s leadership, Patrick would attempt feats never accomplished by a woman in NASCAR’s top division.
Tony Stewart’s Conviction in Patrick’s NASCAR Journey
Stewart’s unwavering backing came across in his pragmatic approach ahead of Patrick’s full-time Cup schedule in 2013. He reminded others to focus on bigger-picture objectives rather than simple statistics, stating:
“But I think looking at it, these 10 races for her this year, for me, it’s just finishing the races and just getting the track time. I’m not worried about what her finish is at the end of the day.”
—Tony Stewart, Team Owner
He elaborated on his approach to Patrick’s progress, explaining:
“I think the success at the end of the year won’t be judged by where the finishing positions are at the end of the day, as much as what she takes away from each race weekend. That’s what my goal is for her.”
—Tony Stewart, Team Owner
These words became prophetic as Patrick clinched the pole position for the 2013 Daytona 500, making her the first woman to do so in NASCAR Cup Series history. Though her rookie season wrapped up with a 27th-place points finish, Stewart maintained his positive perspective, seeing long-term growth as more significant than immediate standings.
He commented during her first Cup year:
“I see room for improvement, but I see a lot of potential. I think she realizes to a certain degree she took a big bite doing this as early as she did, and I think everybody’s judging of her, grading of her, I think you have to look at how much time she’s really had in a stockcar,”
Stewart said during her first Cup season. —Tony Stewart, Team Owner
The resilience of Stewart’s support became especially apparent when NASCAR icon Richard Petty questioned Patrick’s abilities. Petty claimed Patrick
“could only win if everyone else stayed home.”
Stewart didn’t hesitate to defend his driver, responding bluntly:
“I did it because it was right. Richard doesn’t know what it’s like to drive in this series right now. There’s still some ill feelings out there toward her… She’s a racer, a lot more than [Richard] gives her credit for. She’s learning and progressing. She’ll figure it out.”
—Tony Stewart, Team Owner
Impact of Unyielding Belief on NASCAR and Beyond
Stewart’s unwavering support for Patrick sent a powerful message that racing is about more than the final result; it’s about resilience, learning, and the determination to defy doubters. His commitment encouraged Patrick to persevere and break new ground, culminating with her historic pole at Daytona. The steadfast partnership between Stewart and Patrick serves as an enduring example in NASCAR, highlighting the importance of steadfast allies in the face of widespread skepticism.
As Danica Patrick’s journey illustrates, the backing of someone like Tony Stewart can make the difference for trailblazers challenged by convention. Their story continues to influence conversations throughout motorsports about gender, opportunity, and the true meaning of success both on and off the track.
