USAC/NASCAR WCUP: Stewart to drive in Silver Crown race at IRP August 2nd

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

July 31, 2001

INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Stewart is a racer. While some drivers play golf, some drivers sail boats, some drivers fish or go to the mountains and so on and so on. Stewart just wants to race. It is his occupation and his hobby. The thrill of competition is a way of life for the 30 year old from nearby Columbus, Indiana.

` On Thursday, August 2nd the Hoosier native will return to the track where he's enjoyed some of his greatest success. Stewart will wheel the George Snider owned, J.D. Byrider sponsored Silver Crown car in the J.D. Byrider 100 for the United States AutoClub (USAC) Silver Crown Series at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP).

Stewart is no stranger to USAC competition. In 1994 he was crowned the USAC National Midget Champion and in 1995 he became the only driver in history to capture the USAC Triple Crown winning the Midget, Sprint Car and Silver Crown titles in one year.

Stewart moved from the open wheels of USAC to the open wheels of the Indy Racing League (IRL), capturing the series championship in 1997. His success there lead to a move to fendered cars and a ride with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series. After only 27 races, Stewart moved to NASCAR Winston Cup Competition capturing the Rookie of the Year trophy in 1999 and three victories, more than any other rookie in their first year in the highly competitive series. In 2000 he won six races, more than any other driver. This season is more of the same, wins and a run for the points championship.

In his spare time, Stewart became the only driver to finish both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca Cola 600 completing 1090 laps finishing ninth and fourth respectively in 1999. Once wasn't enough for the talented young man so he made the trek again in 2001 finishing all 1,100 miles with an impressive sixth place finish at Indy and coming home 3rd under the lights of the Coca Cola 600.

For the past four years, J.D. Byrider has developed a strong relationship with Tony Stewart sponsoring his dirt late model effort and most recently his Tony Stewart Motorsports World of Outlaws sprint car team with Danny Lasoski in the cockpit. In addition to J.D. Byrider signing on as the title sponsor of the 'J.D.Byrider 100' at IRP, the colors of Stewart’s long time sponsor will fly on the Snider-owned car he will drive.

"We're proud to be the sponsor of this event, and extremely excited that Tony will be racing. There's a lot of great competition and this should be a thrill for the fans;" said Jim England, president of the J.D. Byrider Advertising Group,Inc.

"It's only fitting that Tony Stewart drive a car that says 'J.D. Byrider' on it in the 'J.D. Byrider 100" said Rich Stutts, a J. D. Byrider franchisee who serves as chairman of the J.D. Byrider Advertising Group, Inc."We're looking forward to seeing Tony compete for us in a nationally televised event."

“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of Snider’s Silver Crown car again,” Stewart said. “I am very excited that J. D.Byrider has come on board to support both the car I am going to drive and the event. IRP has always been one of my favorite tracks. USAC was the springboard of my career. I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who supported me and helped me in my midget, sprint car and Silver crown days--it feels like going home. I am looking forward to a night of great fun.”

The J.D. Byrider 100 will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 2, at IRP. Gates will open at 3 p.m. The J.D. Byrider 100 will be televised live nationally on ESPN2 from 8-10 p.m. EST. The J.D. Byrider 100 opens the three-day event that also features the Power Stroke Diesel 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race on August 3, presented by Ford and International. The Kroger SpeedFest concludes with the 20th Anniversary of the Kroger 200 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, August 4.

On Sunday, August 5, Tony Stewart will compete in the NASCAR Winston Cup Brickyard 400 race at IndianapolisMotor Speedway.

Based in Carmel, Ind., J.D. Byrider operates more than 120 company and franchise-owned dealerships in North America, including 24 stores across Indiana. J.D. Byrider assists customers in obtaining financing for the purchase of a quality used vehicle.

Text provided by Judy Kouba Dominick

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.