Whether you love or hate his on-track exploits, you have to respect Tony Stewart's off-track work with many charities. (Photo: Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images) » More Photos

SMOKIN’ GOOD EFFORT Tony Stewart raised a record $217,000 for the Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter on Tuesday, when he hosted his “Smoke Show” fantasy camp benefit at Texas Motor Speedway. “Tony has a huge heart when it comes to charities and we can’t thank him enough for the time and effort he put in for the ‘Smoke Show,’” said TMS President Eddie Gossage said. “It was an incredibly successful event that will make a very significant
impact with Speedway Children’s Charities and the non-profit organizations it provides financial assistance to through grants this year.”

Twenty-nine participants, who paid between $6,000 and $8,250 for the day, enjoyed the full race experience, complete with driver suit, parade laps, driver introductions, victory lane celebration and two 10-lap driving sessions where they got behind the wheel of a stock car. Every attendee also received a high-speed, three-lap ride-along around the 1.5-mile oval with Stewart. He also gave each a
signed pair of Oakley driver gloves and a pair of Oakley Tony Stewart sunglasses. “The real heroes are the 30 people who made the generous donation to participate in this event,” Stewart said. “It was a lot of fun for me and I hope it was for everyone else today. It is a pleasure to donate my time for Speedway Children’s Charities and lend a hand in making an impact in the local community.”