Tony Stewart ... The Great American HoosierBack in February of 2008, Tony Stewart received a Champion's ring in front of the legislative assembly of the Indiana Statehouse - presented by the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tony George - for winning the 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
Throughout the ceremony, state representatives praised Tony as a great Hoosier and a great American. Indeed, with his victories on the track and his charitable contributions off the track, Tony truly deserves the honor of being declared ...
The Great American Hoosier!A Champion With A Big HeartWhile race fans around the world know Tony for his accomplishments on the race track, folks back home in Indiana - especially in the town of Columbus that sits about 30 to 40 minutes south of the Racing Capital of the World - will tell you stories about the generosity of Tony Stewart that you will not hear anywhere else.My relatives and friends that live in Columbus have told me stories that only those who could have grown up with Tony and gone to high school with him could tell. One of my favorite stories that I hear frequently from different folks in Columbus was how after a severe snow storm piled inches upon inches of heavy snow on the ground they got the surprise of a lifetime when Tony showed up with a snow pile truck and cleared their streets and driveways.
Another of my personal favorites comes from my own family that lives in Columbus. Shortly after my beloved Uncle Charlie - a distinguished Vietnam Veteran - passed away, I visited my Aunt Debbie and, of course, our conversation soon centered on Tony Stewart. It turns out my cousin Tammy hanged in Tony's circle of friends back in high school and at a lot of the parties she attended some kid named Tony would go around signing his name on stuff and tell people he was going to be famous someday. My Aunt shared with me that they had a ton of stuff in storage that had Tony's autograph on it. With the enthusiasm of a little kid I asked her where the stuff was now and I was totally floored when she told me she threw it all away. I couldn't believe it! When I asked her why she did that she said "Well, who knew he was going to become famous. He was just some kid with big dreams. Nobody took him seriously". Needless to say, those who once didn't take him seriously before he became famous are now some of his biggest and most ardent supporters. And I promise you, no one stands more proud of Tony's new success in the 2009 season as a owner and driver than the folks back home in Indiana.
The Tony Stewart Foundation ... Making A DifferenceFor us locals who are aware of Tony's big heart to help others - something that his critics in the media will never tell you - it is no surprise that his generosity extends well beyond just helping folks in his hometown.After achieving legendary fame and massive fortune in the sport of auto racing, Tony has not been shy using his money and celebrity to help make a difference in the lives of others. Tony himself will tell you that he has been very fortunate to live his dream of driving race cars for a living. And it is with the same passion that has driven him to the top of the racing world that Tony also does what he can through his foundation - The Tony Stewart Foundation - to fund programs that provide a helping hand to others in need. Through his foundation, Tony provides grants to organizations that help:
The Speedway Zone proudly endorses the Tony Stewart Foundation and encourages you to check out the official website to learn more about the foundation. The Accomplishments of A Hoosier Racing LegendAside from another American racing legend - Mario Andretti - no other racer could arguably be considered the most well-rounded driver in North American motorsports history than Tony Stewart.Indeed, it is no secret that Tony is willing to compete anywhere, anytime, and in any type of car. The man just simply loves to race. As a rookie in any major racing league Tony's competed in, it seems the kid from a small Indiana town was destined for long-term success. In 1991, Tony was USAC Rookie of the Year. In his first year in the Indy Racing League - 1996 - Tony was not only the IRL Rookie of the Year but also the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. And back in 1999, when Tony first competed in NACASR's Elite Cup Series he earned the NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year.
Tony's Rookie of the Year awards served notice of his greatness to come. Check out this shortlist of just a few of Tony's major achievements in auto racing:
Again, that is just a short list of a few of his major achievements in auto racing. In fact, to list all of his motorsports successes would undoubtedly end up being a whole book or an entire website in itself. If you would like to learn more about Tony's career, his charitable foundation and how you can help or you would like to join his fan club or just purchase fan merchandise directly from the champion himself, click here to visit his official website.
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