Tony Stewart Doesn't Back Down About Blocking Statements, Says He Will Retaliate Even If It Costs Him The Chase

Following last weekend's Sprint Cup Series race, Tony Stewart was very clear about blocking. After wrecking Brian Vickers when he blocked Stewart, Vickers wrecked the 14 car back, ruining Stewart's day. Following the race, Stewart said that he had enough of it, and he would even wreck his own teammate and the car he owns - the 39 of Ryan Newman - if he was ever blocked by him.

At Daytona International Speedway this weekend, Stewart has not changed his statement one bit.

“I’ve drawn my line in the sand and the next guy that blocks me is also going to suffer the same fate and it doesn’t matter who it is.’’


In fact, Stewart says he will continue to wreck others who block him, no matter what the risk, even if it costs him a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

“I’ll make sure when I do it next time that the guy doesn’t have the opportunity to come back and wreck me," Stewart said. “It might (impact his chance to make the Chase). I’m going to stay the course on it. I’m just to the point where I’m fed up with the ways some of these guys are racing each other. If we miss the Chase because of it, so be it. It’s not what the team is going to want to hear, it’s not what our sponsors are going to want to hear, but so be it. There’s 42 guys out there and they know how I race and what I expect. I don’t race them that way, I don’t block guys. I’m not going to block guys, but if they block me, they will suffer the consequences of it.’’

Stewart also made it clear that someone needs to draw the line and that as long as others don't block him, he doesn't really care how people race each other.

“I just think that you’ve got to have somebody that is going to draw a line in the sand somewhere and say this is what we expect. I don’t care if they want to race each other that way, that’s fine. They can race everybody else in the field that way, but I don’t race guys that way."

Tony Stewart also said that many other drivers agreed with him, and that he wasn't surprised one bit that they did.

Rumor: Zippy Back With Tony Stewart? Update: FALSE

Jayski.com has learned that Greg Zipadelli, former Tony Stewart crew chief and current Joey Logano crew chief, may be headed to Stewart Hass Racing in the future, to reunite with driver Tony Stewart.

Darian Grubb, the current crew chief for Stewart, would be expected to fill the place of Bobby Hutchens, who was the former director of competition until he was released from the team earlier this year.

There was no word on the status of Logano's next crew chief or when this might happen.

UPDATE: RUMOR PROVEN UNTRUE

From Sports Illustrated:

There was a published report this week that Greg Zipadelli, Stewart's long-time crew chief at Joe Gibbs Racing, might move to Stewart-Haas and Stewart's crew chief, Darian Grubb, would become the team's director of competition. "I laughed when I saw that," Stewart said. "It's not the first time I've read something that's not true."

Tony Stewart and Teddy Bears?

(Photo credit: MATTER/Edelman for Office Depot Racing) I know what you're thinking. Tony Stewart, the rough and tough NASCAR driver, and a teddy bear? Don't worry, it's all for a good cause.

The Office Depot Foundation has recently announced its 2010 "Teddy B. Caring" holiday bear. The foundation formed by the leading global provider for office supplies and services will donate a portion of the proceeds of the holidays bear sales to assist families and children in need across the world.

The program was started in 2001 and continues to be strong today thanks to strong supporters like Tony Stewart, who encourages all NASCAR fans to participate in this great program.

Here is what the winner of the NMPA Humanitarian Award had to say about the program:

“Working with the Office Depot Foundation on its National Backpack Program is one of the most important and rewarding things I do,” Stewart said. “It’s amazing to see the look on a child’s face when they receive a new backpack and are able to head back to school with an extra boost of confidence. Every child deserves that, and I would like to encourage everyone to consider giving a Teddy B. Caring bear as a gift this holiday season in support of the great work the Office Depot Foundation does all year long.”

Initiatives supported by the sales include:
-"National Backpack Program"
-"Caring Connection"
-"Dream UP Career Exploration Program"
- "1-800 MY BIZ HELP"

The Bear costs $9.99 and is 16 inches tall.


NASCAR and it's drivers, sponsors, teams, and fans continue to show their support for great causes. This program developed by Office Depot yet again proves how NASCAR gives back to communities. It is certainly nice to see these things, especially during the off season, a time of year where NASCAR can almost be forgotten.



Editor's note: Why did I post this? I loved the picture of Tony Stewart with a Teddy Bear, and it's for a great cause.

Thanks to Office Depot Racing for the information.