NASCAR - Tony Stewart Obtains his Third Win of the Season in the Sprint Cup

By Stephen Lars

Tony Stewart achieved his third victory of the season in the Sprint Cup at the Watkins Glen International Circuit, at the “Heluva Good!” the twenty-second event of the Sprint Cup Series.

The triumph, the 39th of Stewart’s professional career at the Sprint Cup, demonstrated once again the pilot’s incredible talent. Stewart was able to maneuver with ease through the complicated route for the circuit, a route which was characterized by constant, pronounced curves.

Stewart, who is the driver and owner of his own team, Stewart Haas Racing, was able to reassert his team’s leading position in the overall pilot rankings. Not only was Stewart able to create a spectacle of the race, but he also tried to save as much fuel as possible.

Stewart, driving a #14 Chevrolet Impala, began on the grid in 14th place, a position that seemed to offer few chances at the podium. Stewart, however, took his placement as a challenge he was prepared to overcome. Remaining firm in his position and resisting the pressure from behind, Stewart advanced at full speed, surpassing lap by lap the cars in front of him.

With intense concentration and an awareness that he would have to save fuel to avoid losing time by entering the pits, Stewart was able to approach the group that was placed in the top positions of the competition.

In lap 65 of the 90 scheduled laps, Stewart accelerated forward and placed himself at the head of the competition. The Australian Marcos Ambrose pulled behind, the closest pursuer of the unexpected leader. Fans and spectators stirred; the excitement was palpable.

Despite the pressure that Ambrose exerted, his efforts were not enough to approach the level of competition that Stewart brought to the track. Nevertheless, the Australian managed to follow closely behind as Stewart crossed the finish line in first place, and was pleased with his performance although he did not get the gold.

The victory gave Stewart another 205 points, adding to a total that now amounts to 3,383 points, reinforcing Stewarts leading position in the general table of leading pilots. Stewart is followed by Jimmie Johnson, who has 3,123. (Despite Johnson’s favorable overall position, the driver finished at 12th at the Watkins Glen International Circuit after a relatively weak performance.)

Stewart is also now virtually locked in for the Chase for the Sprint Cup; he only needs a starting position on the Carfax 400 on Sunday to ensure his participation.

“At this point of the deal, you know, I guess I got my eye on the bigger prize,” Stewart said after the race. “You don't get any prize money. You don't get a trophy for leading the points after 26 races. … Our pride (with) winning the championship will mean a lot more than leading the points when the Chase starts.”

Carl Edwards completed the podium after an amazing rush from 33rd at the grid to third. Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya also finished at sixth, an accomplishment that drove Montoya up a place in the general table and maintaining his position as one of the top 12 best drivers.

About the Author
Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on daily NASCAR races; sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.