In 2006, Tony Stewart put in an iconic drive at the Bass Pro Shops 500 in Atlanta to register one of his most dominant wins ever. Taking on the likes of Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth, who were fighting for the championship, Stewart took home the bragging rights when the checkered flag fell.
Roaring to glory in Atlanta that day, Stewart felt his “biggest” achievement would have been outlasting a challenge from a prime Johnson. But the NASCAR race organizers made sure they had something bigger for Stewart to take away.
Tony Stewart Earned Himself 8-Foot, 300-Pound Trophy Named ‘Big Roar’
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a track that requires a strong long-run pace and managing tire wear — especially during the 2006 race, which lasted 325 laps. Stewart, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, was at his dominant best that day, leading 146 laps and earning 190 points. While that was a big deal on its own, it didn’t compare to the trophy he ended up taking home.
Stewart was presented with a trophy that featured a bronze statue of a grizzly bear standing on a pedestal, weighing over 300 pounds. Standing over eight feet tall, the massive trophy was named “Big Roar” because of its size and the roaring bear on top.
The trophy for the 2006 Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta was called "Big Roar," a 300 pound, 8 foot tall bronze grizzly bear statue won by Tony Stewart
Today is World Bear Day pic.twitter.com/CgAeQV8Rxn
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After celebrating in Victory Lane with the massive trophy, Stewart joked about the challenge of moving it and figuring out where to put it.
“I’m not sure where I’m gonna put this thing, but I’m guessing it’ll have to be outside.” He added, “I just hope I don’t wake up one night and think it’s real.”
Stewart also joked that if the trophy became a hassle, he’d turn it into a hood ornament, as Jeff Gordon chimed in to suggest Stewart should strap it to his motorhome.
The former JGR driver never revealed what he did with the oversized trophy, but fans have their theories. Most likely, Big Roar found a home at one of Stewart’s properties or his ranch in Indiana, which is known for housing much of his racing memorabilia.
While the trophy might seem over the top, there was probably no better driver to take it home. Hunting has long been one of Stewart’s favorite hobbies, along with fishing and conservation. Because of that, he had a close relationship with Bass Pro Shops, which often supplied him with the gear he needed.
Stewart’s Indiana ranch has often served as a gathering place for friends who go hunting or enjoy nature. So, keeping Big Roar there would make a lot of sense.