"It's time he learns a lesson": When Tony Stewart called out 'little rich kid' Joey Logano in 2013
Joey Logano and Tony Stewart had a memorable feud in NASCAR's modern era after the race at Fontana in 2013. Logano, 23 at that time, was confronted by the 3x Cup champion after the race.
Stewart made his frustrations with Logano clear for the late restart with his words and shoves which led to an altercation, leading to the young driver throwing a bottle at the veteran.
This act from Logano was the one which Stewart deemed as the actions of 'a little girl'. He said, via USA Today:
"It's time he learns a lesson. He's run his mouth long enough and done this double standard, but he's nothing but a little rich kid who has never had to work in his life."
Stewart further deemed Logano as a driver who only talks and has no action. The SHR driver-owner claimed he's tired of Logano complaining about other drivers for doing the same things he himself is guilty of.
As for his side of the story, Logano claimed that he 'had to throw the block' when he did. The young driver said that the move was to get to the lead and with Stewart underneath him, it would've been the end of the opportunity for him to win the race, because of which he had to protect his spot.
Joey Logano addressed his feud with Tony Stewart a month later
After his altercation with Tony Stewart in March at Fontana, Joey Logano addressed the subject at Martinsville. He claimed that after the off-weekend, they've had time to relax and 'cool off', because of which he believed the feud was over.
"I feel like we're moving on," Logano said, via USA Today.
Sharing his take on Logano's reputation at that stage of his career, veteran driver Jeff Burton said that it would be 'an overstatement' to say that older drivers have issues with Logano. He remarked that Logano had found himself in an unfortunate situation with people pushing him while forcing him to become 'a tough guy.'
Burton said that Logano is 'a good person' and a good driver. He added that while the young driver can work on his listening skills instead of arguing, Logano isn't a dirty driver by any means.
However, Joey Logano believed that he didn't have to prove himself and that all he wanted to do was go out and win races. He further touched on the aspect of there being a fine line about earning the respect of his peers.
Logano added that he isn't a driver who's looking for trouble. But at the same time, he's also not someone who would get walked on.