In 2006, Tony Stewart roared into Atlanta Motor Speedway, dominated the Bass Pro Shops 500, and walked away with not just a race win—but a trophy so ludicrous it appeared better fitted for a hunting lodge than a trophy case. Tony Stewart put on a strong show at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track that requires long-run pace and tire wear. Heading into the weekend the focus was on the likes of Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson who were competing for the championship, but it was Smoke who emerged victorious after the drop of the checkered flag.

Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon were the ones who set the pace early in the race. But as the race went on, Dale Jr and Stewart emerged as genuine contenders. After multiple pit cycles and restarts, and by Lap 315 it was Jr. who looked destined for a win. But with older tires, Jr. was at a disadvantage and Stewart knew he had the window to make his move. With 12 to go in the race, the JGR driver punched the gas and got past the traffic and from there Smoke was able to defend his lead and bag the race win.

Now, ideally, he would be celebrating with a trophy in the victory, but what came next completely blew everyone’s minds. A trophy as distinctive as his triumph was an 8-foot-tall bronze grizzly. After celebrating in Victory Lane, Stewart joked about the logistics of owning such a trophy and said, “I’m not sure where I’m gonna put this thing, but I’m guessing it’ll have to be outside, I just hope I don’t wake up one night and think it’s real.” 

Tony Stewart was the ideal driver to receive a trophy shaped like a huge bear. Stewart’s passion for the outdoors was widely known, and he had long been an advocate for hunting, fishing, and conservation. The connection was even more appropriate because of his affiliation with Bass Pro Shops. Stewart frequently spent his leisure time away from the track at his home ranch in Indiana, which serves as both a gathering place for his outdoor interests and a wildlife haven. Big Roar feels less like an oddity and more like a specially created homage to his lifestyle because he has been outspoken over the years about his love of hunting, fishing, and archery.

Stewart joked that if the massive trophy ever became a hassle, he’d “turn it into a hood ornament.” Fellow drivers joined in—Jeff Gordon suggested strapping it to his motorhome, while Carl Edwards questioned if it could fit in his car’s passenger seat. Despite the jokes, the outdoors-loving Stewart welcomed the prize, making it a fitting addition to his collection.

Although Stewart has never made it public where the trophy ended up, it is generally assumed that “Big Roar” found a home at one of his estates, most likely his expansive ranch in Indiana, where he keeps his vast collection of outdoor gear and racing memorabilia. While NASCAR has seen many unique trophies throughout the years, few can match “Big Roar’s” size and presence. For Tony Stewart, it served as yet another reminder that NASCAR victories may take many different forms, sometimes even resembling an eight-foot grizzly bear.

A Tradition of Odd NASCAR Trophies

NASCAR has never adhered to traditional trophy systems. Nashville’s special Gibson guitar was a favorite until Kyle Busch broke it in 2009; Martinsville’s grandfather clock is renowned; and New Hampshire’s live lobster produces amusing moments. At one point, Rockingham distributed wooden eagles, and Texas gave out six-shooters.

But Big Roar was unique even among these. It was unavoidable because of its size—a fitting homage to a driver as audacious and unvarnished as Stewart. NASCAR and Bass Pro Shops have a long history together. In order to connect with the sport’s tough, blue-collar audience, the outdoor shop has sponsored teams, drivers, and events for decades.

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In addition to Stewart, they have supported racers like Austin Dillon and Martin Truex Jr., and they even own the No. 3 team at Richard Childress Racing. This tradition was carried on with their sponsorship of the Bass Pro Shops 500 in Atlanta, but Big Roar went above and beyond. The bear statue personified the brand’s image: rugged, untamed, and enormous. Creating a unique, unforgettable Bass Pro moment—something that NASCAR fans still discuss almost twenty years later—was more important than the race itself.

NASCAR has produced several memorable Victory Lane emotions throughout the years. The sport has welcomed the unexpected, from Joey Logano getting covered in maple syrup after winning in Canada to Dale Earnhardt’s puzzled expression while clutching a big lobster in New Hampshire. However, despite all of these incidents, Stewart and Big Roar continue to be one of the most illustrious duos in NASCAR history.