Tony Stewart kicked out of Australia for scuffle; lucky to avoid the boot
Jan 16, 2011, 5:32 PM EDT
Ah Tony Stewart, you irascible scamp. Long known as the trouble-maker of American car racing, Mr. Stewart apparently decided that annoying one continent wasn’t enough and took his “talents” to Australia — and received a down-under black eye for his troubles. And who said NASCAR drivers have a reputation for boorish behavior?
What was the fight over? Racetrack conditions, of course. It seems that some unknown detail of the Sydney Speedway didn’t suit Tony Stewart’s liking, and refined and sophisticated creature that he is, Stewart displayed his displeasure by chucking a helmet at track co-owner Brett Morris. What, he didn’t have a shoe to throw?
Turns out Aussies don’t play like that, and Mr. Morris responded by giving Stewart a black eye “not slight in size.” Oi!
Stewart’s public relations manager Mike Arning said Saturday he was still trying to sort through the news but had spoken with Stewart, who was reportedly detained briefly by the local Rosehill police department for questioning about the incident. Although he was released and cleared for his already-scheduled departure Saturday, the paper says a local official confirmed there is ongoing investigation.
Okay, so he wasn’t technically “kicked out,” but even if his departure was already scheduled, this incident surely cemented it. Although Stewart’s role in Australia generally equates to NASCAR ambassador, I don’t think it’s possible for him to claim diplomatic immunity for starting a fight with a local business owner and getting his adolescent ass kicked. A good public booting might be just what he needed.
With this figurative black eye to go along with his literal, maybe Tony Stewart should just stick to what he’s best at and race. Foreign relations just doesn’t seem to be one of his strong suits (nor does pugilism).
Besides, I imagine most Australian racing is done on top of crocodiles and diesel-powered kangaroo, and that’s much cooler than NASCAR could ever be.
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Tony Stewart On Way Back to U.S. After Reported Scuffle in Australia [FanHouse.com]
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- lewp - Jan 17, 2011 at 7:40 AM
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Congrats Rob!
A story about NASCAR and not one time did you use the term “Redneck”. Probably because you did some research and found out Tony Stewart was from Indiana. Good job though.
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- BC - Jan 18, 2011 at 10:06 AM
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Aside from Kyle Busch he has the hottest temper out there. But he’s a really funny and engaging guy. He always just sort of “shows up” at one of the local tracks here in northern Connecticut (he’s good buddies with Ted Christopher, who races the eastern circuit), and races in the feature, signs autographs until the pen runs out of ink. Very engaging and funny to talk to. NASCAR needs more guys that are animated and not robots.
