STEWART PREVAILS
AT THE GLEN

Watkins Glen, NY: The Road Course was tough on Tony Stewart, but his car was strong and he stuck it out to win the Sirius at The Glen. Tony had complained of stomach cramps early in the race and the Home Depot crew went in search of a driver that may be able to jump into the car if Tony could not stay in. Boris Said was available, but it would have been a tight fit for him in the #20 Home Depot Chevrolet. The car was enjoying a big lead that Tony did not want to give up. He decided to stay in the car and during a pit stop , he was helped with some medicine that eased the cramps. Despite his illness, Tony was able to make his way back to the front when he came out of the pits 13th. He led the final 14 laps with Ron Fellows trying his best to catch up. Unfortunately, Tony was not able to celebrate immediately in Victory Lane. As soon as he got out of the car, he was rushed to his RV with a request to allow him some time to collect himself from the effects of the illness.

A disappointed Ron Fellows finished 2nd driving for DEI in the #1 Nutter Butter/Nilla Wafers Chevrolet. He had started the race 43rd and threaded his way through traffic quickly and efficiently. But when it came to power, he didn't have enough to catch the 20. We won't see this accomplished road racer again until the Sonoma race next year.

Miraculously, Mark Martin did not have a problem at the end of the race that would cause him to fall out of the top 10. Although, he felt something making the car not right, he was able to hang in and jump around Casey Mears on the final lap to come in 3rd in the #6 Viagra Ford.

After leading the race for 8 laps with a decisive 11 second lead, a caution closed up the field causing Casey Mears to lose that position to the very powerful Home Depot Chevrolet. Then, at the end of the final lap, the #41 Target Dodge ran out of gas and coasted across the finish line 4th. Fortunately, he only lost 1 place to Mark Martin.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was determined to add a road course win to his resume. The #8 Budweiser Chevrolet did not follow along with his plans. Though he was able to keep up with the top 10 throughout the day, the car was not good enough to get much farther. Jr came in 5th and was able to make up some points in the Championship Chase.

Kevin Harvick battled his way in and out of the top 10 for most of the race. His teammate, Robby Gordon, allowed him to lead a lap for the ever important 5 points that would help him retain his position in the Championship Chase. But the #29 Goodwrench Chevrolet was not strong enough to stay up front. Kevin finished 6th.

Jeremy Mayfield made a huge jump in the Championship Chase by moving into the 10th position. He finished the race 7th in the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge. Ricky Rudd had an exceptional day in the #21 Motorcraft/U.S. Air Force Ford. He came in 8th. Two other Roush cars finished in the top 10. Matt Kenseth was 9th in the #17 DeWalt Ford and Kurt Bush was 10th in the #97 Irwin Industrial Tools Ford.

Jimmy Johnson nearly lost his Championship lead to teammate Jeff Gordon. Jimmy left the race on lap 25 when his transmission failed in the #48 Lowes Chevrolet. Jeff had a strong car at the beginning of the race, but could not stay in front of Tony Stewart. Late in the race, the #24 DuPont Chevrolet developed a transmission problem. He dropped from 5th back to finish 21st.

Article by S. Kipple
08/15/04

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