Stewart Climbs His Way Back to Victory Lane
USG Sheetrock 400 - Chicagoland Speedway
7/15/2007
Jay W. Pennell
Look out NASCAR, Tony Stewart has finally reached victory lane. Using pit strategy and a strong car to get out front, Stewart was able to stay in clean air and out of trouble to capture the USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This win marks the first time Stewart has taken home the checkered flag in 2007, his first since last year at Texas. After a season full of struggles and disappointment, the entire Home Depot crew finally has something to celebrate.
Sunday's win comes one week after tangling with teammate Denny Hamlin at Daytona in the Pepsi 400. Both drivers were out front when the incident happened, and Stewart was very critical of his younger teammate. Knowing his leadership was needed, owner Joe Gibbs brought Stewart and Hamlin together for a 29-minute meeting on Saturday to smooth out any differences the two had. The meeting, held during the opening minutes of Happy Hour, proved to be effective on Sunday. "[But] it was a great meeting," Stewart told the Associated Press, "That's Joe Gibbs' strength, he knows how to motivate people and he knows how to keep a team atmosphere."
With this win and the team's inspirational meeting with Coach Gibbs, the JGR teams move into the second half of the 2007 season on a very high note. Upcoming tracks including Indianapolis, Pocono and Watkins Glen have been very nice to both Stewart and Hamlin in the past and may prove to be again. Currently, Hamlin sits second in points behind leader Jeff Gordon, while Stewart climbed his way to sixth.
The second half of the 2007 schedule is in full swing and headed for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Many teams are looking to secure a spot in the Chase, while going after the win each weekend. The headlines during the first half of 2007 centered on the dominance of Hendrick Motorsports. However, after the pending shake up that will see the departure of Kyle Busch and the addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr., as well as the penalties handed out to the 24 and 48 teams, HMS has felt the heat from other teams.
With no race this weekend, teams and drivers are able to relax and enjoy their time with their family. Once racing resumes at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on July 29th expect the excitement to pick back up and get even more intense.
Check out more of my blogs each week at:
http://blog.myspace.com/155157031
USG Sheetrock 400 - Chicagoland Speedway
7/15/2007
Jay W. Pennell
Look out NASCAR, Tony Stewart has finally reached victory lane. Using pit strategy and a strong car to get out front, Stewart was able to stay in clean air and out of trouble to capture the USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This win marks the first time Stewart has taken home the checkered flag in 2007, his first since last year at Texas. After a season full of struggles and disappointment, the entire Home Depot crew finally has something to celebrate.
Sunday's win comes one week after tangling with teammate Denny Hamlin at Daytona in the Pepsi 400. Both drivers were out front when the incident happened, and Stewart was very critical of his younger teammate. Knowing his leadership was needed, owner Joe Gibbs brought Stewart and Hamlin together for a 29-minute meeting on Saturday to smooth out any differences the two had. The meeting, held during the opening minutes of Happy Hour, proved to be effective on Sunday. "[But] it was a great meeting," Stewart told the Associated Press, "That's Joe Gibbs' strength, he knows how to motivate people and he knows how to keep a team atmosphere."
With this win and the team's inspirational meeting with Coach Gibbs, the JGR teams move into the second half of the 2007 season on a very high note. Upcoming tracks including Indianapolis, Pocono and Watkins Glen have been very nice to both Stewart and Hamlin in the past and may prove to be again. Currently, Hamlin sits second in points behind leader Jeff Gordon, while Stewart climbed his way to sixth.
The second half of the 2007 schedule is in full swing and headed for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Many teams are looking to secure a spot in the Chase, while going after the win each weekend. The headlines during the first half of 2007 centered on the dominance of Hendrick Motorsports. However, after the pending shake up that will see the departure of Kyle Busch and the addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr., as well as the penalties handed out to the 24 and 48 teams, HMS has felt the heat from other teams.
With no race this weekend, teams and drivers are able to relax and enjoy their time with their family. Once racing resumes at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on July 29th expect the excitement to pick back up and get even more intense.
Check out more of my blogs each week at:
http://blog.myspace.com/155157031