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Tony Stewart’s Critique of LVMS Changes Clashes with Fan Approval: Insights from Retiring Track President Chris Powell

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Tony Stewart’s Critique of LVMS Changes Clashes with Fan Approval: Insights from Retiring Track President Chris Powell

Mar 7, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA top fuel driver Steve Torrence (left) talks with Tony Stewart during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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As Chris Powell, president of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), steps down after an impactful 26-year stint, he brings to light the dissent Tony Stewart, the NASCAR legend, harbored for LVMS, despite the venue’s fan popularity. LVMS has been a pivotal platform in NASCAR history since its inaugural Cup Series race in 1998. It has witnessed thrilling finishes, dramatic incidents, and career-defining victories, shaping the careers of many NASCAR icons.

However, the retiring president took the opportunity to reveal an intriguing episode involving Tony Stewart. Powell, whose transformative tenure saw the LVMS become a NASCAR powerhouse, highlighted Stewart’s discontent with the alterations made to the speedway. He recalled how Stewart, known for his deep dirt racing roots, publicly criticized the changes Powell implemented.

Powell reminisced about an interaction with Stewart, where the driver voiced his displeasure. “When we built this Neon Garage, Tony was not in good spirits that weekend,” Powell recalled. “He hopped off the stage, got into the back of a pickup truck, and when asked about his thoughts on the day’s race, he questioned the garage’s construction and the track’s re-banking, creating a bit of a stir.”

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In 2007, Powell introduced the Neon Garage, an innovation that allowed fans unprecedented access to pit action, transforming how spectators experienced the races. While fans adored this immersive experience, Stewart, known for his reserved nature with fans, didn’t share the enthusiasm.

Powell’s tenure also witnessed a significant change to the track itself, with the turns re-banked from 12 degrees to 20 degrees. The modification aimed to facilitate faster, more unpredictable races, a move inspired by similar changes at Homestead-Miami. The alteration was a hit among fans and contributed to LVMS becoming a must-visit attraction in Vegas. Yet, Stewart vehemently disapproved of this change, stating, “I think they ruined a really nice racetrack.”

Stewart, who owns the Eldora Speedway, a dirt oval with similar dimensions to the re-banked LVMS, was a staunch critic of the changes Powell implemented. Despite the controversy, Powell’s contributions to LVMS are undeniable. His vision for the Neon Garage and the re-banking of the track has left a lasting legacy that fans continue to admire.

As he departs, Powell also shared his insights on NASCAR’s declining viewership. He attributed it to the retirement of popular drivers and the lack of fan connection with new, younger racers. Powell urged the sport to cultivate more personalities and not just thrust inexperienced racers into the limelight.

In his final act, Powell transformed The Strip at LVMS into one of the largest drag racing tracks, a move that may even bring a smile to Tony Stewart’s face. Despite their differences, both Powell and Stewart share an unyielding passion for the sport, a passion that has, and will continue to, shape NASCAR’s future.

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