Where did Tony Stewart get the nickname Smoke?

He got the nickname 'Smoke' because of how "fast" he drives (i.e. he is a fast NASCAR driver). It comes from him leaving behind "smoke" as he "burns" past you. ANSWER It all started in Sprint cars clear back in 1991 when he was running USAC. He wasn't very good about not slipping the right rear tire, initially. It started as 'Smoker,' then was shortened to Smoke .After he went to the IRL (Indy Racing League) it was 'Smoke' because one of the guys on the crew who was his roommate, and knew the nickname, carried it over to the Indy car team.
when he drove sprint cars he was always smoking the right rear tire coming of the corners