Tony Stewart’s win Sunday at Sonoma Raceway was a big deal. Not just for the 45-year-old driver five months from retirement, but the sport and the fans who have supported him through the “disastrous roller coaster” that’s been Stewart’s life and career the last three years.
But the pressure finally released into a euphoric state when he won for the first time in 84 races.
A day after the win, “Smoke” took to Twitter to thanks his fans.
The best part about yesterday was getting a win for all my fans that have stood by me side thru everything the last 4 years. This ones for U
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) June 27, 2016
The win was a combination of Kyle Busch’s victory at the road course last year after starting the season with leg injuries and Jeff Gordon’s final win at Martinsville Speedway last October.
Gordon, who competed against Stewart from 1999 - 2015 and is now a Fox Sports analyst, made sure to get a moment with Stewart in victory lane.
An unforgettable moment for two @NASCAR legends! @JeffGordonWeb congratulates @TonyStewart @RaceSonoma! -JW pic.twitter.com/KbTmk8e2h7
— Miss Sprint Cup (@MissSprintCup) June 26, 2016
Stewart then went out of his way to share the moment with a fan who was lucky enough to be in attendance for Stewart’s win in his last visit to Sonoma as a driver, a track he’s now won at three times.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHIw0oiAB-k/?taken-by=jml136
Before getting to more reaction from the NASCAR world about Stewart’s win, head here to watch the final lap of Sunday’s race as called by the announcers at FOX Deportes.
Like him or not @TonyStewart will be missed because he drives the Hell out of a race car, says what he thinks, gives you what you paid 2 see
— Ricky Craven (@RickyCraven32) June 27, 2016
This makes me smile every time I see it! pic.twitter.com/VRsI8Ya7JP
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) June 27, 2016
Big day for boss @TonyStewart!!!! Super happy for him!!!!!!!
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) June 27, 2016
Love my @nascar,love my peers, and holy hell do we love our @TonyStewart. May the curtains fall on another great trip out west... 🍻
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) June 27, 2016
Happy for @TonyStewart everything he has been through this is a awesome win. #Congrats
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) June 27, 2016
Bossman @TonyStewart put the R in Racer today. Yet another reason he will go down as one of the greatest of our generation. #Smoke
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) June 26, 2016