Statement from Tony Stewart Regarding the Passing of NASCAR's Jim Hunter

TALLADEGA, Oct. 30, 2010: Below is a statement from Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and driver/owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, on the passing of NASCAR’s Jim Hunter.

“When it comes to my NASCAR career, one of my biggest influences was Jim Hunter. There’s no playbook or manual when you eventually reach this level, and understanding all the things that come along with being a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series can be overwhelming. At least, it was for me when I first got here. Jim became a great friend to me because he helped me understand why things were the way they were and how I could better handle situations. Knowing that his knowledge and experience will no longer be available to other young drivers as they enter the sport is proof that Jim is irreplaceable.

“I’m proud to have known Jim Hunter, proud to have been his friend and will miss him a lot. Our thoughts are with his wife, Ann, and their family.”