"I've been racing for 34 yrs now and have never seen so much controversy from a single event in my whole career" writes midget driver/owner Tony Stewart in online auto racing forum www.indianaopenwheel.com. Mr. Stewart is known to post his opinion from time to time on the forum whose membership tends to favor discussion of non-wing sprints, midgets and the occasional champ/dirt/big/silver crown dirt cars. The latter type of car is somewhat of a grandmother to the modern IndyCar.
Mr. Stewart is defending himself against accusations that he is "king of the free passes" according to midget race car team owner Don Moore (Don Moore Music Publications). Mr. Moore expressed disappointment that Stewart's Munchkin was still allowed entry into the races despite an unconventional choice of over the counter race parts. It is also suggested that officials or promoters may favor him over other owners and drivers. Mr. Stewart has an uncommonly large collection of trophies from a variety of auto racing.
The controversial issue at hand is a square tail fuel tank on the Tony Stewart's munchkin for last weekend's midget races at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. As explained in his written defense, Mr. Stewart claims "I didn't realize that it wasn't allowed in the rules." According to Mr. Stewart, an official asked him to change the part to one that fit in the guidelines and according to him, the change was made.
Tony Stewart is an Indy 500 veteran, the 1997 Indy Racing League Champion, has earned a United States Auto Club Triple Crown and is a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He spends free time visiting active duty military personnel, hospitalized children, and other charitable activities. He also owns Eldora Speedway, several race cars, and is co-owner of a North Carolina pavement stock car team which he also drives for.
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