Jack Hewitt Fires Back at Claims That Kyle Larson Is Better Than Tony Stewart

Jack Hewitt Fires Back at Claims That Kyle Larson Is Better Than Tony Stewart

The debate over Kyle Larson vs. Tony Stewart has been raging in motorsports circles, with many fans and analysts anointing Larson as the greatest multi-discipline driver of the modern era. However, dirt racing legend Jack Hewitt isn’t buying into the hype—at least, not just yet.

Hewitt, a two-time USAC Silver Crown champion and one of the most respected voices in dirt racing, recently addressed claims that Kyle Larson has surpassed Tony Stewart as the greatest all-around racer. While acknowledging Larson’s undeniable talent, Hewitt made it clear that comparisons to Stewart might be premature.

Hewitt’s Response: “Put Some Respect on Smoke’s Name”

When asked about the ongoing debate, Hewitt didn’t hold back:

“Look, Kyle’s a hell of a wheelman, no doubt about it. He can jump in just about anything and win. But people are quick to forget just how damn good Tony Stewart was in everything he touched.”

Hewitt pointed out that Stewart’s ability to win across multiple disciplines, including IndyCar, USAC, and NASCAR, is what truly separates him from most drivers.

“People talk about Kyle being the best of this era, and maybe he is. But Tony won an IndyCar championship before he even got to NASCAR. He won in sprint cars, midgets, stock cars—you name it. And when the pressure was on, he delivered.”

The Stewart vs. Larson Debate: Breaking It Down

While Kyle Larson has been dominant in dirt racing, especially in World of Outlaws, USAC, and late models, Tony Stewart’s career spans multiple racing disciplines and championship victories.

Tony Stewart’s Resume:

✔ 1997 IndyCar Series Champion
✔ 1995 USAC Triple Crown Champion (Sprint, Midget, Silver Crown)
✔ Three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion (2002, 2005, 2011)
✔ Multiple Chili Bowl, Eldora Million, and sprint car wins

Kyle Larson’s Resume:

✔ 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
✔ Two-time Chili Bowl Nationals winner
✔ Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, Prairie Dirt Classic & Eldora Million winner
✔ Active in dirt racing year-round

Hewitt believes that Larson could eventually surpass Stewart, but only if he expands his success beyond NASCAR and dirt racing.

“If Kyle wants to be the best ever, let’s see him win an IndyCar championship. Let’s see him dominate NASCAR for a few more years. Then we’ll talk,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt’s Final Word: “Don’t Disrespect Legends”

Jack Hewitt has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his message is clear: Larson is great, but Tony Stewart’s legacy is unmatched—at least for now.

“I love what Kyle’s doing for dirt racing, and I think he’s one of the best talents we’ve ever seen. But people need to slow down with this ‘greatest of all time’ talk. Tony Stewart set the bar, and until Kyle does more outside of dirt and NASCAR, he ain’t cleared it yet.”

For now, the debate rages on. But if there’s one thing clear from Hewitt’s words—it’ll take a lot more than a few spectacular seasons to unseat Tony Stewart’s place in motorsports history.