Sporting News’ 60 Most Beautiful People: No. 34, Tony Stewart

By Tyler Nelson
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart hails from Columbus, Ind.

David Griffin
NASCAR Scene

In 60 years of NASCAR racing, the sport has been filled with colorful characters. This year, Sporting News decided to craft a list of the sport's 60 Most Beautiful People.

The selections were made as a result of nominations sent in by readers and NASCAR fans to the Sporting News' publications and Web sites.

The list was finalized and published in a special edition, which is now available on newsstands and at the online store at streetandsmiths.com. SceneDaily is running the list, with one person from the top 60 to be featured each day.

Today's installment features No. 34, Tony Stewart.

Around NASCAR circles, a driver’s nickname is often his badge of honor. From “The Intimidator” to “Mr. Excitement” they are a source of pride.

For Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 20 Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, it’s no different. He has been christened with multiple monikers. 

“The Columbus Comet” gives kudos to his hometown in Indiana and breakneck-speed style of racing. “Double Duty” is a reflection of his intense work ethic and competitiveness, as he has twice competed in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

Fans have also tabbed him “Tony the Tiger” per the cartoon spokesman for Frosted Flakes cereal.
 
But none are as interesting as “Smoke”. And Stewart didn’t get the name because he left others in the dust.

Actually, it’s the exact opposite.  It started in 1991, when he was racing on the United States Auto Club circuit. Early in his career, Stewart was known to slip his tires, thus creating smoke. He was called “Smoker” which was shortened to what it is today. The name stuck as he occasionally blew out his engine during his 1997 campaign in the IndyCar Series.

Times have changed, though, as Stewart’s numerous victories have left his competitors’ hopes of winning up in smoke.

It’s all in the name.

Mentioned Drivers: Tony Stewart

Comments

18 responses to "Sporting News’ 60 Most Beautiful People: No. 34, Tony Stewart". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Robert Porter said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 1:30 PM

    I would love to be a fly on the wall when Tony finds out he is one of the "Beautiful People". Great guy maybe but Beuatiful ?? Maybe Santa will bring him some razor blades.

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  2. 2
    Tom Coggins said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 1:49 PM

    Good driver no doubt beautiful no way.

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  3. 3
    Judy Dunbar said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 2:00 PM

    I personally like his beard..Lots of women do !!!! He is beautiful to his Fans. To his Haters, they can kiss his Hairy back....side...LOL... I'm Happy to hear that Robert above doesn't find him attractice, Maybe he likes them slick...hahahaha
    Gooooooooo Smoke 2009

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  4. 4
    Brad Sargent said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    Tony is, and will always be one, if not the only all time best race car driver this country will ever see. So folks; don't let the "SMOKE" get in your eyes because he's here to stay.NASCAR's next 2009 champion.

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  5. 5
    MARTIN said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM

    Not beautiful but very colorful. We need Tony to be Tony, he makes racing much more interesting.

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  6. 6
    Patty said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 3:11 PM

    I think this beauty of Tony's comes from within - all his charity work, and especially the Victory Junction Camp, including the Prelude to a Dream proceeds.

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  7. 7
    Judy Dunbar said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 3:11 PM

    Tony is Beautiful on the inside like the author meant.. Too bad he didn't list all the wonderful things Tony does off the track for People & Animals...
    Blowin Smoke in your Eyes
    Stewart/Haas Racing 2009 Future Champions

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  8. 8
    Georgia Ross said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 4:05 PM

    #4 Thank you, Brad - "beautifully" said. Smoke is dedicated, honest, colorful, will race anything on wheels, is very nice to his fans and has a kind heart that reaches out to others less fortunate. That is "beautiful" in this racing fan's eyes. Much of his charitable work doesn't ever get media attention. He is also a Hottie - with or without his beard. GO SMOKE!!!

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  9. 9
    Pat Draper said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 4:34 PM

    You know what they say beauty comes from within and thats the kind of beauty Smoke has. He's not only a great driver, team owner, track owner and part owner of 2 or 3 other tracks. He loves to help people and kids and doesn't want it known. He really is a humble person. I would love to meet him and tell him just how much i think of him. And he never has to shave as far as i am concerned. He has a twinkle in his eye that says watch out i'm here. loves to play jokes on people and thats great. I think he should have been in the low 20's or even in the teens of the 60 most beautiful. All the best to Smoke and Ryan in the 2009 season. Go get um!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. 10
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 5:51 PM

    thanks Tony for becoming a racer again and not just another corporate tool...thanks for taking the time to sign the pic...it was a bad day for you, but you still mananged a smile...

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  11. 11
    Bernadette Motherway said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 7:57 PM

    Ya know, about 4 years ago, I could not stand Tony. He has sure grown on me now for all that he is done and the steps that he is taking. I wish him and Ryan the best in 2009!

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  12. 12
    Gladys Bedwell said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 8:08 PM

    Well I was hoping he would place better but I can handle 34th. Now if it were the most sexiest people in NASCAR, he would have to be #1. And for those who don't know Tony that well, he has very sensitive skin so he tries not to shave very often. Tony, you are the best. Good luck to you and Ryan in 2009.

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  13. 13
    ANNE OBERGFELL said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 9:06 PM

    yes he is beauitful to a lot of fans he is the best and always will be. good luck to tony an ryan in 2009 an awesomepair of winners. love that man

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  14. 14
    Sarah Oxfurth said:
    Dec 23, 2008 at 10:30 PM

    I think Tony is beautiful in a lot of ways. I think he's nice looking myself-scruff or no (I like a little scruff), but I think he's a beautiful and caring person on the inside-as many of our people on this list have been. He's charitable, loves animals, he's just a great guy. He's crass at times, but that's part of his charm. I think he deserves better than 34th honestly. I think he's quite sexy/beautiful outwardly but especially inwardly.

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  15. 15
    Jayne Deere said:
    Dec 24, 2008 at 12:40 AM

    I agree with Sarah(14), Tony is very beautiful both inside and out. Another reason he is beautiful is because he is real and honest regardless of what anyone else thinks. He is true to himself and not completely plastic like a lot of the other people in NASCAR. Go Tony!! Can't wait to see him in Victory Lane in 2009.

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  16. 16
    charles avarello said:
    Dec 24, 2008 at 10:02 AM

    good luck next year SMOKE you need to shave more before races.

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  17. 17
    Michelle Rath said:
    Dec 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM

    Well said Jayne #15. Tony is definatly beautiful inside and out. We all agree that Tony is not afraid to speak his mind and that is what makes him "REAL" and "TRUE". He makes his fans feel important also. Good Luck next year with STEWART-HAAS. We will no doubt see you in victory lane in '09.

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  18. 18
    Martha Nelson said:
    Dec 28, 2008 at 9:27 PM

    I have to agree with a lot of people about this remarkable man! He is one of the greatest drivers that I have ever met in my lifetime. He will always be beautiful no matter how he is on or off the track!

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