The racing world exploded this week when Kenny Wallace dropped a bombshell that sent fans into overdrive. His declaration about Tony Stewart being the greatest driver ever didn’t just spark debate – it ignited a full-scale social media war with the entire motorsports community choosing sides.
Why Did Kenny Wallace Crown Tony Stewart the Greatest Driver Ever?
In motorsports, few debates spark as much passion as discussions about who stands atop the all-time greats. From Richard Petty’s record wins to Dale Earnhardt’s dominance, fans have long argued over who deserves the title of “greatest race car driver.”
Former NASCAR driver and current social media personality Wallace recently added fuel to that fire during an episode of his “Coffee with Kenny” segment. His words immediately set off a storm of reaction across racing social media.
Wallace’s praise highlighted Stewart’s versatility as a NASCAR, IndyCar, and now NHRA regular-season champion. He also pointed to the three-time Cup Series champion’s ability to race and win across different racing disciplines.
Wallace posted on X saying, “@TonyStewart is NOW the greatest race car driver in the WORLD.”
The bold declaration quickly gained traction among fans, sparking heated debate about what defines greatness in racing: titles, versatility, longevity, or influence.
How Did Racing Fans React to Wallace’s Stewart Claims?
The racing community wasted no time pushing back against Wallace’s statement. Some fans brought global legends into the conversation to challenge Stewart’s credentials.
One fan commented, “Mario enters the chat. Tony is a great driver, but it’s not even close,” referencing IndyCar legend and Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti.
Others shifted the debate to American racing’s broader icons. One fan said, “I’m always going to die on the hill that A.J. Foyt is the GOAT when it comes to racing. I’ll admit Stewart is extremely high on my list when it comes to all-around racer though.”
The pushback continued with more direct challenges to Wallace’s claim. Another racing fan added, “Nope! He’s in the top 10 but not the greatest!”
However, Stewart did find some support among the responses. “Richard Petty won a NHRA race but Tony is the king of motorsports,” a NASCAR fan said.
What Makes This Racing Debate So Divisive?
Supporters of Stewart, including Wallace, believe his ability to win on virtually any type of track makes him special. They point to Stewart’s hard-charging style, consistency, and willingness to take risks as compelling evidence for “greatest of all time” status.
But the broader racing community quickly weighed in with dissent. The larger debate goes beyond Stewart’s accolades, with many citing that racers like Richard Petty and Mario Andretti had more dominant résumés as drivers.
Wallace’s comments, while meant as a celebration, turned into a flashpoint that reignited one of racing’s most enduring arguments. The online reactions show one thing clearly: racing fans will never stop debating their legends, and any attempt to crown a single greatest driver will always face fierce opposition from passionate supporters of other racing icons.