So maybe I ain't the queen of writing, but I am quite proud of MY work! Wanna leave me your opinions? Go for it!
Tony is the real deal. Written: In 2003
The person.
Tony has a heart of gold. He can amaze you more than you could ever know.
What we all know about Tony Stewart; the reining Winston Cup Champion is exactly that, his racing and success. That is what the public knows. Although, the fans of Tony Stewart know him a little different. We know about what a loyal person he is. How big of a heart he has for his favorite charities. Well, add the Victory Junction Gang Camp to that already long list. He is now officially a founder of the camp after he graciously donated over 1,000,000 dollars to Pattie and Kyle Petty who have dreams of helping children with chronic and life threatening illnesses have a place where they can set free of their problems even if its for a short time. This camp allows kids to spend time with other kids with similar illnesses. Tony wants to help that dream come true. "The Victory Junction Gang Camp was their idea, and they've done so much to make it happen. The Tony Stewart Foundation is proud to donate $1 million to the Victory Junction Gang Camp so that Kyle and Pattie's dream can soon become reality." Said Stewart. Now, Kyle and Pattie are edging ever so close to achieving their goal to open the camp, dedicated to their late son Adam. The camp is due to open June, of 2004.
"I'm doing it because I'm proud of what they're doing," said Stewart "I really admire Kyle and Pattie Petty for the people they are and for the work that they do," he continued. "
This is not the only time he has donated to this amazing foundation. In 2001 he donated over 240,000 for each lap completed at the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca Cola 600.
He is also very much involved in many more charities for kids and natural environment.
People say that this man doesn't care about his fans, well if that were true why is he always finding a way to help kids? I can name a bunch of stuff that Tony has done to help others but why should I prove it to you? If you know him and know your Nascar, then there is no need to ask.
The racer.
I love seeing this man race day in and day out and seeing his car go around billions of times, it's like taking a free ride with him every lap. His LIFE is racing! He doesn't only race in Nascar but anything with wheels on it, he's driven and most likely into victory lane. So many cars, so many championships, and so much talent. This guy is amazing!
I actually got to see him race in midgets and sprints last April in Madera California. I have to tell you that I was impressed with him, not only with his racing but what he did for a loyal fan was all too kind. First of all I must put you at ease by saying he DID win both races!
Anyway, there was a contest for ticket holders and you had to have the right ticket number. As we were sitting there waiting for the number to be revealed a pace car comes skidding across the start/finish line like a bat out of hell, and guess who shoots out of it? Tony Stewart! He was there to give out the prize which was a small replica of his Home Depot car, signed by him right there in front of everyone! He was generous enough to spend time with the winner, get pictures done and spend time with the media (and he is known to give the media a hard time, uh huh). He also gave a thank you speech to everyone that contributed to the Gerhardt foundation (even while racing he is helping others). That alone would have been a wonderful evening but it got even better. I was able to hang out in the VIP area and I had the privilege to meet Tony Stewart. I'm not a star struck type so I didn't get an autograph nor seek for one. (I will next time, that is for sure!) But I did get pictures and had a few good laughs with the man. He always tries to find a way to make everything funny! I'll tell you he is a character! That was an experience I will never forget.
Most know him as a hard aggressive racer, but outside the track he is the Tony Stewart us fans all know and love. We love his racing but we love his heart even more. I wish I could put emphasis on how proud I am to be a fan but words can't describe in depth of what he means to me. It's not only the love he shows for others but it's also how he presents himself. It's unlike anyone I have ever encountered. He has such a passion for his racing. If you don't believe me, and if you ever get a chance, take a hard look into his eyes, you'll see it.
With all this, how can anyone ever boo this man in the grandstands? You may find this hard to believe but I actually am glad they boo, it shows fear. They are afraid this man will run away into victory lane! (Who can blame them!) Well, best get used to it because he will be in the winner's circle so many more times. His days of representing Nascar to a full is over, as he has handed the reins over to Matt Kenseth! Our new and final Winston Cup champion. That means, so many more boos should scream throughout the grandstands for his "aggressive driving" and I couldn't be more happy about it. Hey, even the great Dale Earnhardt was booed all the time and one thing Earnhardt said was "worry when they aren't booing", so if Earnhardt says worry, then. Only then, I will.
