Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart have each made their mark in NASCAR with memorable rivalries and electrifying talent, but Busch has revealed he always hoped for more time as Stewart’s teammate. The dynamic between the two drivers at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008 left a significant impression on Busch and influenced his perspective on competition within the sport.
Battles and Respect on the Track
Throughout his career, Kyle Busch built a reputation for confronting adversity on the racetrack, frequently clashing with competitors like Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and having heated moments with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Even among his own teammates such as Martin Truex Jr., Busch approached racing with intensity, never backing down from a serious challenge. Despite frequent conflict, he maintained a clear sense of respect for a select few drivers, with Tony Stewart sitting firmly at the top of that list.
Brief Overlap at Joe Gibbs Racing
Busch and Stewart’s time as teammates was limited to just the 2008 season at Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart, who achieved 33 Cup victories during his tenure with the organization, and Busch, who later stacked up 56 wins for the same team, only directly collaborated during that single year. Despite just one season together, the experience shaped Busch’s view of Stewart, leaving him wishing their partnership had lasted longer.
Kindred Spirits: Talent and Tenacity
According to team owner Joe Gibbs, the two drivers shared strikingly similar traits—raw racing skill and fiery, uncompromising personalities. Both athletes refused to fade into the background and brought a relentless drive to their time at Joe Gibbs Racing. So when Busch reflected on which former competitor he’d want as a teammate if given another chance, he didn’t hesitate to name Stewart.
The Difference Between Rivals and Teammates
During an interview, Busch recalled his changing feelings about racing with and against Tony Stewart:
“The first one that comes to mind is (Dale Earnhardt) Sr. I think he’s one of the guys you would never want to race against; you’d rather race with him. Stewart was that way. When I was with Hendrick and Stewart was with (Joe Gibbs Racing), I hated racing against Tony Stewart. Hated it.”
– Kyle Busch
He elaborated further on the transformation once they joined forces at JGR:
“And then when I went to JGR, I loved it. I loved racing with him! It was awesome! And then when he left, it was eight or 10 races into the year or something, and we were kind of racing each other hard and going back to our old ways, and after the race, I was like, ‘Dude…I’ve just got to tell you: I absolutely hate racing against you.’”
– Kyle Busch
When Stewart sought clarification, Busch said that being teammates made things far simpler, while being rivals introduced complications he never enjoyed. Stewart’s response was direct:
“Alright, well, thanks for telling me.”
– Tony Stewart
A Season of Fierce Competition
Even in their only year together as teammates, the competition between Busch and Stewart was intense. Busch secured eight Cup victories and finished the season tenth in overall standings, while Stewart claimed one win yet edged out Busch by claiming ninth place. Their rivalry and partnership underscored the blend of camaraderie and competition at the heart of elite racing.
Legacy of Mutual Respect
The relationship between Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart at Joe Gibbs Racing highlights how fierce competitors can develop deep respect and even camaraderie when aligned as teammates. Busch’s reflections reveal the complexities of professional racing, where personal dynamics off the track can shape outcomes and perceptions on it. Their time together remains a memorable chapter for NASCAR fans and a testament to the impact that a strong teammate can have in the relentless world of Cup racing.
