Tony Stewart Charms Daytona Fans Even When He Disagrees

Walking by the Chevrolet display at Daytona International Speedway on the Coke Zero 400 weekend, this Skirts and Scuffs reporter was intrigued by the crowd around the Chevy stage. And then, that familiar voice...Tony Stewart was holding court and the fans were listening.

It is no secret that when Stewart is in charge, he is, well, in charge. The familiar smile was evident but so was his confidence as he toyed with the audience and answered the questions his way.

A female took the mike and told Stewart to take off his sunglasses, presumably to see more of his face and eyes. Stewart quickly answered "no" and meant it. He explained that one reason he is 39 and single is because he doesn't like to be ordered around by women. A couple of minutes later he looked at the fan, smiled that smile, and told her he was sorry but he didn't like being told what to do by everyone. The sunglasses did not come off!

Public appearances may have turned out to be the best part of the weekend for Stewart and his Stewart-Haas teammate Ryan Newman. Both Stewart and Newman were collected in the "Big One" at Daytona. Stewart was able to continue but Newman's night was over.

The "Big One" at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona collected 19 cars.

John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR