Tony Stewart, Glory Amidst the Craze

Anthony Wayne Stewart is a NASCAR Sprint CupPrix and he could not be prouder.
driver. He was born on May 20 1971 at Columbus,The following season, Stewart was in an accident
Indiana. If there is one thing that Stewart wants, it isduring the race but he was able to walk away
racing.without major injuries. Controversy also filled the
While growing up, he developed a keen interest inseason. He had unpleasant encounters with a
go-karts. He started racing, and in 1987, he becameNASCAR official for some violations. He also had
the champion of the World Karting Association. Thissome unlikely encounter with another driver, Jeff
is just the beginning of his long list of achievements.Gordon. This led to his fining. Many consider him as
Aside from the go-karts, he also tried ridingshort tempered. These encounters earned him the
three-quarter midgets and raced. He joined thenickname the bad boy of NASCAR.
United States Auto Club Series. On his debut, he wonHe had a good run in 2002. It did not start right for
the Rookie of the Year award. He was relativelyhim though. He placed seventh in the standings during
successful in the open-wheel auto racing.the first part of the season. NASCAR placed him on
He had an interesting start in the NASCAR Sprint Cupprobation after a misunderstanding with a
Series. He faced the much-favored racer, Dalephotographer in the Brickyard 400. However, this did
Earnhardt Jr. in a Gatorade Twin 125 races. Althoughnot alter his ability to ride. He had a good run during
Earnhardt won, Tony Stewart has grabbed many ofthe last few races. By the end of the year, he would
the spectators' attention. He gained more following ashave his very first Winston Cup Championship title.
he continued to race. Many were impress in hisThere are quite a few highlights in his career in 2004.
strong finishes. He always managed to find a spot inHe started out strong. He had notable wins in
the top ten. This made him deserving to win anotherChicagoland and Watkins Glen International. He also
Rookie of the year Award, this time from theteamed up with two of NASCAR's great drivers, Dale
Winston Cup.Earnhardt Jr. and Andy Wallace for the 24 Hours of
After winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 1999,Daytona. Although they had a great start, they were
he did not show any sign of slowing down. During thenot able to pull it off, their suspension broke, and the
next season, he was still consistent with his strongrear wheels dislocated.
driving abilities. Although this was the case, theThe next season was a success. It included his
competition was tougher. The tight competitionsecond NASCAR Nextel Cup Title. However, he
caused him to drop to the sixth spot. However, hemissed his chance to win it again in 2006.
won the midget car event in the Turkey Night Grand