Tony Stewart, known for an illustrious career in NASCAR and IndyCar, recently revealed which of his many racing trophies stands out as his personal favorite. During a guest appearance on the Rubbin is Racing podcast, Stewart described why this particular accolade, tied to his status as a champion, holds such a unique place among all his honors.
Stewart’s Unmatched Appreciation for the Goodyear Cup Champion Trophy
With 49 premier series wins in NASCAR and a resume spanning IndyCar, USAC, and dirt racing, Tony Stewart has accumulated a vast collection of racing trophies. Nevertheless, when asked about his favorite, Stewart did not name one from the most high-profile victories, but rather the gold-plated Goodyear Cup champion trophy. He stated,
“It’s the one that Goodyear does for the Cup champion each year. They do a gold car, and I think it’s 18th scale. It’s a replica of your car. So, it’s gold-plated, and your number and your sponsor logos are all etched in it.”
Stewart, Champion Racer
The gold replica impresses Stewart most due to its meticulous detail. Even the personalized features of Stewart’s championship car—the customized ignition switches and starter extensions—were intricately reproduced on the trophy. This extraordinary level of craftsmanship has clearly won Stewart’s lasting admiration.
The Borg-Warner Trophy and Unmatched Detail
Among all racing trophies, Stewart acknowledges the prestige of the Borg-Warner trophy awarded to Indianapolis 500 winners, but he ultimately feels that the Goodyear model surpasses it in personal significance. He shared,
“Don’t have one of those yet. I’m not going to have one because I probably won’t ever race the new 500 again. But I think it’s a cooler trophy than that.”
Stewart, Champion Racer
Stewart also emphasized that among all the trophies he’s earned, the trio of Goodyear gold cars—each commemorating a NASCAR Cup championship—stand above the rest, calling them the coolest in motorsports.
Other Noteworthy Awards in Stewart’s Collection
While the Goodyear trophy is Stewart’s clear favorite, his collection includes other coveted honors. After his 1997 IndyCar Series title, he received the Astor Challenge Cup, a sterling silver trophy. Winning the Brickyard 400 in both 2005 and 2007 earned him trophies capped with a silver brick, symbolizing the heritage of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Beyond the glitz, Stewart’s trophy haul features some of the sport’s most unique awards, such as the celebrated Grandfather clock from Martinsville and New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s unusual ‘Loudon the Lobster’ prize. There remains one notable gap—a Harley J. Earl Trophy from the Daytona 500, a prize Stewart still lacks.
Legacy Shaped by Passionate Pursuit
The Goodyear gold car trophy, crafted from 24-karat gold and awarded to NASCAR Cup champions since 1985, stands as Stewart’s prized keepsake, not merely for its shine but for the personal touches it immortalizes. Stewart’s declaration of his Tony Stewart favorite trophy underlines the emotional and symbolic significance trophies can hold beyond simple race results, reflecting the memories and meaning of a celebrated career in motorsport.
