In a revelation that has rocked the NASCAR world to its core, three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and his wife, NHRA drag racer Leah Pruett, have broken an 18-year silence to share a truth that’s now dividing fans, drivers, and insiders alike.

The couple, who have largely kept their private lives under wraps despite their high-profile careers, sat down for an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated this week. And in one of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent motorsports history, Stewart made the admission:

“We never told anyone… but in 2007, I walked away from a team deal that could’ve changed NASCAR forever — and I’ve kept it buried until now.”

The Secret That Could Have Changed Everything

According to Stewart, in late 2006 and early 2007, he was approached by a group of investors and executives with a proposal to form a breakaway NASCAR series — one that would challenge the dominance of the NASCAR Cup Series by creating a rival league with looser restrictions, more driver control, and a more aggressive fan engagement strategy.

“It was bold. It was risky. It would have meant walking away from everything I’d built with Joe Gibbs Racing,” Stewart explained. “But at the time, I was frustrated. The sport was changing, and not always in ways I agreed with.”

He says the proposal included names like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, and even Jeff Gordon — though none have confirmed involvement. The plan? To take the top talent, the best engineers, and some of the sport’s most loyal sponsors, and start something new.

Why They Stayed Silent

For nearly two decades, Stewart never breathed a word about the proposed breakaway — not to fans, not even to close colleagues. So why now?

“Leah and I have been talking a lot about legacy,” Stewart said. “She challenged me. She said, ‘If you want to be honest with yourself and your fans, you need to tell the whole story.’ And she was right.”

Leah Pruett, who recently stepped back from full-time racing to start a family with Stewart, added:

“I’ve watched Tony carry this for years. It’s part of who he is — fiercely loyal, but also constantly asking, ‘What if?’ I think telling the truth was freeing.”

NASCAR Reacts — And the Fallout Begins

Unsurprisingly, Stewart’s bombshell confession has ignited a firestorm within the racing community. While many fans applaud his honesty and bravery, others accuse him of betrayal — saying he should’ve disclosed the potential rebellion years ago.

Some industry veterans have spoken out in support.

“I’m not shocked,” said former crew chief Ray Evernham. “There was unrest back then. Tony wasn’t alone. He just had the guts to say it now.”

But others were less forgiving.

“You don’t just walk away from that kind of plan and act like it’s all fine,” said one anonymous NASCAR team owner. “If it had leaked back then, it could’ve destroyed the sport.”

NASCAR has yet to release an official statement, though insiders say executives are “furious” that one of their legends would bring such a volatile moment back into the spotlight.

Fans Divided

On social media, reactions were split. The hashtag #StewartTruth trended on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the story’s release.

“Tony Stewart is a legend. This just proves he always put drivers first,” one fan posted.

“How dare he even consider breaking NASCAR apart? That’s not a leader, that’s selfish,” another wrote.

Others speculated whether Stewart’s confession could spark renewed discussion around NASCAR’s structure — and whether a driver-led movement could still be possible in the future.

What’s Next for Stewart?

For now, Tony Stewart says he’s at peace. He has no regrets about staying loyal to NASCAR and believes the sport, while imperfect, has evolved for the better over time.

“I made the choice to stay. Maybe I missed a chance to change things faster, but I believe everything happens for a reason.”

Leah and Tony are now focused on growing their family and mentoring young drivers through Stewart-Haas Racing and their various grassroots racing programs.

Final Thoughts

In a world where athletes are often criticized for hiding behind PR-speak, Tony Stewart has once again proven he’s cut from a different cloth. Whether you love or hate what he revealed, one thing is certain: the truth still matters — and in NASCAR, the past is never truly behind.

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