Tony Stewart retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of the 2016 season.
What happened?
He began working on a retirement plan two years prior, after a meeting with NASCAR executives did not go well.
Tony Stewart said the meeting took place in 2014 or 2015, where 20 drivers, representing all manufacturers and car owners, presented five ideas to improve NASCAR.
Why it matters for Tony Stewart
The executives shot down all five suggestions, leading Stewart to decide on a retirement plan, feeling that the decision-makers did not value the drivers' input.
Stewart made a surprising comeback in the NASCAR Truck Series season opener at Daytona in February.
What comes next?
He expressed openness to making another Truck Series start with RAM and Kaulig Racing, despite his frustration with NASCAR's leadership.
The meeting's outcome marked a turning point in Stewart's career, as he felt undervalued and ignored by the sport's top officials.
Tony Stewart has been a staunch critic of many of NASCAR's recent moves, and this revelation sheds light on his long-standing frustration.
He has not ruled out future involvement in the sport, but his experience has left a lasting impact on his perception of NASCAR's leadership.
The exact date of the meeting is unclear, but its impact on Stewart's decision to retire is evident.
Stewart's comments provide insight into the inner workings of NASCAR and the relationships between drivers, owners, and executives.
His experience serves as a concrete example of the challenges drivers face when trying to effect change in the sport.
The outcome of the meeting has had a lasting impact on Stewart's career and his perception of NASCAR's leadership.