Stewart loses weight with inspiration from Martin

Since he started running his own team in 2009, Tony Stewart has been shedding the old “Smoke” in favor of a new one. And this offseason he’s done that literally.

Stewart showed up to preseason Media week 15 pounds lighter according to reports. He’s turning 40 in May and Stewart realized maybe it’d be better to get a little more fit—something one of his sponsors, Burger King, would be proud of.

“I just wanted to feel better, actually,” Stewart told the media members gathered at his shop. “I’m realizing I’m not 20 anymore. I’ll be 40 in May. It was just me sitting down and saying, ‘Hey, I've got to pay better attention to this.’

“And honestly, Mark Martin is probably the greatest inspiration to all of us in this series on this. He's one of the most fit people out there—especially for his age. He's heads and shoulders above most of us in fitness. He's a good mentor, and a guy to look up to. You look at him and say, ‘Hey, he does it. I can do it, too.’”

Mark Martin as an inspiration? It’s something we’ve all gotten used to.

At 52, Martin isn’t about to slow down any time soon. Stewart doesn’t want to either. But he’s also not going to adopt Martin’s rigorous diet and workout plan anytime soon.

“There’s no way I could do the diet or those workouts like he does,” Stewart said. “I still like my Burger King and I still like my pizza. I like chili. I like things that aren't necessarily on that diet of his. But he's real religious about it. You do it long enough and it really does become part of your life—but there are still things that I like to eat that I can't completely give up.”

He’s human, just like the rest of us.

In year one Stewart captured his first victory as a driver-owner by winning at Pocono in June. He won three more times in 2009, including Daytona’s July race, Watkins Glen and once in the Chase—at Kansas.

His teammate, Ryan Newman, captured his first victory as a part of Stewart-Haas Racing at Phoenix last April.

What can we expect from the SHR boys this season? I’d say more of the same. Newman and Stewart are talented and they have the all-important technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports that provides them with top-of-the-line equipment. Seven wins in two seasons between the two men tells me they’re ready for another breakout season in 2011.

Will both Newman and “Smoke” make the Chase? Probably not, but I guarantee both will be in it through August. It’s more likely that Stewart will be locked in by then and Newman still fighting for a spot.
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Tomorrow I'll take a look at Penske Racing's number swap, and Newman's former No. 12 car.