For an entire generation, Tony Stewart was one of the best drivers to be behind a NASCAR car. Throughout his years in the Cup Series, on his way to winning three championships, Stewart had several moments where he stood out for his exceptional skills behind the wheel. One such memorable instance was his last-minute victory during his final NASCAR season in 2016 at Sonoma Raceway, where he triumphed over JGR driver Denny Hamlin.
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It has been quite some time since. So, when a snippet of that unforgettable moment was disseminated on social media, it undoubtedly sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, sending them on a reminiscent journey back in time.
NASCAR fans get nostalgic over iconic Tony Stewart Sonoma win
The Toyota Save Mart 350 during the 2016 season had almost been a victory for Denny Hamlin. However, it was only in the very last turn that Hamlin’s day turned into a nightmare. Stewart was right behind the #11 car and as soon as the pair approached the final turn, Stewart went down the inside and squeezed Hamlin into the wall. Losing momentum, the JGR driver could only cross the finish line in second place, thereby ruining his day.
Delivered a win in his final NASCAR season. pic.twitter.com/hTRXvPs6G8
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) June 8, 2023
Meanwhile, Stewart seized the checkered flag, marking an unforgettable moment that would be cherished for years to come. In response to the victory, we could hear someone emit a jubilant, high-pitched squeal of sheer joy and excitement; it could have been Stewart, but who knows?
Taking a look at the footage Tony Stewart’s driver, Chase Briscoe called him the “Goat.”
One of the best finishes of all-time. No cap 👀
— Sonoma Raceway (@RaceSonoma) June 8, 2023
Furthermore, a fan stated, “I was there, I was screaming my head off in turn 7.“
Stewart won his final championship on an equally amazing note
Aside from his final NASCAR win at Sonoma, his 3rd and last championship title was equally impressive. It came down to the final race of the season. It was the 2011 season and Stewart was battling with Carl Edwards heading into the final race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. It was something extraordinary to witness, the way he pulled it off at the final race. Furthermore, in the process he snapped Jimmie Johnson’s consecutive five-championship streak in the process.
Smoke had won a total of five races during that season and interestingly, all of them came in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Edwards had only won a single race throughout the season. Stewart had won in the final shootout taking out the first tiebreaker. This win was something more for him. After all, he had won the championship for the third time in his career. But not only that, this was also the first time he won it being a part-team owner of Stewart-Haas Racing.
