by Meg A Wright

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Better known as the Rushville Rocket, Tony Stewart's career has been one of success and controversy. A Hoosier, or Indiana boy, born in Columbus on May 20, 1971, to and Stewart began his racing career as many other boys; racing go karts in Rushville, Indiana.

Success showed itself early when he won the World Karting Championship in 1987 at the age of 16. Stewart then turned to three-quarter midgets with the UMRA until 1991 when Stewart was given a ride in the United States Auto Club, or open wheel Indy Cars. Winning Rookie of the Year, he followed it up with a National Midget Series Championship in 1994.

In 1996 Stewart dipped his toes into the series where he would gain his fame. As he continued to race in the Open Wheel series, Stewart also debuted in the NASCAR Busch Series, where in 9 races his best finish was 16th.

Now dubbed the IRL, Indy Racing League, 1997 began as a year of struggle for Stewart when he DNF -did not finish- 3 of the first 10 races of the season. He received his first win in the IRL series at Pikes Peak doing it in magnificent style, leading 193 of the 200 laps. Easily, Stewart was able to gain enough points to win the Championship.

It was during this time Stewart earned his now famous nickname "Smoke," when he made the mistake of slipping his right rear tire, in the dirt races he ran between his regular series, blowing up his engine.

By now Stewart became more successful in the NASCAR minor league where he had a high finish of 3rd at Charlotte North Carolina. Joe Gibbs, NFL Hall of Fame Coach, sat up and took notice of the young hotshot and immediately signed him to the rest of the Busch schedule.

After another great season in the IRL, where he finished 3rd in the Championship despite a last place finish at Indy, Stewart was moved into a full time ride in NASCAR's then premiere series, the Winston Cup.

Now driving the #20 Home Depot Pontiac, Stewart charged head on into his first season. He showed no fear when he battled Dale Earnhardt for a win in a duel prior to the Daytona 500. He finished the season an impressive 4th in the championship and with the Rookie of the Year honors.

The next season Stewart continued his impressive strides, as well as making a name for himself as the bad boy of NASCAR when he had some on-track controversies. Including the tirade where he criticized Jeff Gordon, punched a reporter/cameraman, drove aggressively, and accused NASCAR of staging cautions.

Another item in Stewart's racing portfolio is the fact he performed

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