Tony Stewart, the indomitable force in American stock car racing, has a resume so loaded it’s almost mythical. Co-owner of NASCAR’s Stewart-Haas Racing and the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), Stewart has touched nearly every facet of motorsports—except for Formula 1.

The American semi-retired professional stock car racing driver, fondly nicknamed “Smoke,” is lauded for his behind-the-wheel prowess and his ventures off the track.

Formula 1 fans vs NASCAR realities

So when AutoSports posed the question: “Who IS the best driver in motorsport history, never to race in Formula 1?” a surge of fan responses chorused a name synonymous with NASCAR – Tony Stewart.

Some NASCAR Fan commented:

“@TonyStewart is the top of my list. He would’ve brought the other drivers to their knees.” one fan wrote. 

While other fans just spammed the comments with his name: “Tony Stewart”

But don’t think about comparing the Formula 1 glitz to NASCAR’s grit because, according to Tony Stewart, you couldn’t even drive a stock car out of the parking lot. The former NASCAR champion decided it was high time to school all the armchair racers and confused F1 fans. 

So, could you really handle a NASCAR vehicle? Tony Stewart thinks not, and he’s got three championship titles to back it up. Buckle up as we deep-dive into NASCAR’s many complexities that prove it’s more than just a series of left turns.

WATCH THIS STORY: NASCAR Veteran Reveals Fords Dead Ringer Status at Tony Stewart’s Expense

Tony Stewart debunks NASCAR’s left turn stereotype

For those of you who think that NASCAR drivers just hop into the same car for each race, spoiler alert: they don’t. “I think that’s one of the biggest misconceptions,” says Stewart, slamming another myth. Contrary to popular belief, drivers don’t use the “exact same chassis of Daytona” in other races. NASCAR vehicles are complex beasts that are fine-tuned to suit each track’s demands.

The popular misconception that driving a NASCAR vehicle is easy couldn’t be further from the truth. “None of them could do that,” declared Stewart, interrupting a discussion among NASCAR on FOX commentators. According to Stewart, the critics “couldn’t even drive it out the parking lot.” So, the next time you find yourself stuck in traffic thinking you could outmaneuver NASCAR pros, think again.

READ MORE: “They’ve Fallen From Grace” – Tony Stewart’s Team Under Major Scrutiny After Disappointing Regular Season With Ford Letting Them Down

So, to all the Formula 1 enthusiasts who think they could easily switch lanes to NASCAR, Tony Stewart’s outburst might come as a bitter revelation.