Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart opened up about NHRA icon John Force, reflecting on the 16-time Funny Car champion’s legacy, his influence, and his difficult but necessary decision to step away from racing.Last week, John Force officially announced his retirement from formal racing after a historic 46-year-long career. He is regarded as one of the best drag racers of all time, a 16-time NHRA and one-time AHRA Funny Car champion driver, and a 22-time champion as a car owner.As Force announced his retirement, Tony Stewart, who has spent some time racing alongside him in the NHRA paddock, didn’t mince words when describing what Force means to the sport and what makes him so unique in a recent interview with Bob Pockrass.“I think even as disappointing as this is for everyone, I mean we all understand what the circumstances are and why and appreciate everything that he's done for motorsports as a whole. I wasn't even into drag racing and I knew who John Force was and was a big fan of John,” Stewart told Pockrass.“You get the opportunity to actually race around the guy and be in the pit with him and get to know him before he got hurt… I don't know anybody can emulate that. John's just a one of a kind personality. I mean, He truly is a larger-than-life personality. That's the only way to describe him.” Stewart continued.John Force announced his retirement through a video shared on John Hunt Racing’s official X account. He ended his illustrative career with 157 national event wins and 16 Funny Car championships.“He needs to enjoy what he's building”: Tony Stewart insists John Force enjoy his post-retirement lifeThe 76-year-old Force hasn’t raced since suffering a serious brain injury after a scary accident during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in June 2024. He is still recovering from the aftermath of his severe injuries, and it ultimately ended his racing career.In the aforementioned interview, Tony Stewart shed light on the importance of Force taking time to enjoy the life and legacy he’s built. With a large family, countless achievements, and a career that transcends the NHRA stage, Stewart believes Force deserves to embrace the personal side of life as much as the competitive one.“He's just still on the road to recovery and it's a long road and at his age it's not easy, but he's doing the work, he's putting the effort in. But he needs to enjoy what he's building and he's got a huge family and grandkids now and he needs to celebrate that and enjoy that,” the former NASCAR team owner said.NASCAR legend Tony Stewart also has had a successful career in NHRA drag racing. He claimed his first career Top Fuel victory at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas in 2025 and ended up securing the 2025 regular-season championship. He is now likely to give his seat back to his wife, Leah Pruett, next season.