Tony Stewart’s Quick Wit Shines Through during Ford Press Conference

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Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, looks on in the garage area during practice for the 59th Annual DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 24, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images

Just because Tony Stewart has retired from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing doesn’t mean the co-owner of Stewart-Haas racing has lost his quick wit and sense of humor.

Stewart’s penchant for repartee was in full evidence on Saturday morning when he answered questions from reporters during a Ford Performance press conference at Daytona International Speedway.

Before Stewart could get into his shtick, however, he had to take some good-natured ribbing from fellow Ford owners Roger Penske and Jack Roush. Penske, known for his white button-down shirts, chided Stewart about the black shirt Smoke was wearing.

Roush recalled an instance where Stewart inadvertently wrecked one of his drivers, Carl Edwards, during a race at Pocono—when Stewart was trying to wreck Clint Bowyer.

“Is that the only time I did anything?” Stewart interjected after Roush offered his forgiveness. “If that’s it, I’m good with that. I appreciate it.”

Notoriously late to most structured obligations, Stewart compared the relaxing life of a car owner to the harried life of a driver.

“I’ll be honest, it’s been kind of nice,” Stewart said. “If I’m late to practice, nobody yells at me. If I leave practice early, nobody yells at me. And if I don’t show up for practice at all, nobody yells at me. That side has been kind of nice.

“Really, the only drama I’ve had so far is Roger picking at me on the color of shirt I wear, and I guess Jack has kind of given me the pardon already, so it’s been a pretty good weekend so far. If all I’ve got to worry about is my shirt color, I’ve got it made right now.”

Asked about the timeline for Stewart-Haas Racing’s negotiations with Ford, Stewart took a playful shot at Ford executive Raj Nair.

“I can’t remember the date, but Raj was sitting out front begging at the front door,” Stewart quipped.