July 5, 2008
By Brenda Benedict
“Tough Luck Tony” is the name given to Tony Stewart after his 13th place finish this past Sunday by some in the media. After leading for 132 laps of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Tony lost his position when he pitted. Then the rain came and caused a delay that brought out a caution. Tony did not have time to regain his lead. He finished 13th at the checkered flag. This has been his average for the last 4 races.
This race continues a season of tough luck for Tony. He has yet to have a win a race or secure a pole position. He has had 8 top ten finishes but the number one has eluded him. It has been 31 races since his last win..
Mark Garrow said on a Jayski podcast that, “You could say that Tony Stewart is jinxed. After finishing an unlucky 13th, Tony Stewart says he does believe in racing luck.”.
Tony said, “Absolutely. This year is proof you can also have bad luck too. Man, we’ve just not had any luck all year. It seems like the races we do get ourselves in good position toward the end, then something bad happens and we get out of that position.”.
An AP NASCAR Podcast stated that Sunday, Tony had the strongest car and was dominating. “Tony is very frustrated. His team is very frustrated because they are very good, have led a lot of laps, and probably could have won 3 -4 races this year. They’re doing everything right except finishing in 1st place. They can’t make it into the winner’s circle.”.
The news about Tony’s trouble, however, is being overshadowed by the rumors that are swirling about Tony’s future ride. Will Tony fulfill his contract to Gibbs Racing through 2009 or will he be jumping ship?
The rumors about where Tony will be next year have him at Hendricks, Haas CNC Racing or even JR Motorsports..
Even though Tony’s future plans are up in the air, Tony doesn’t want us to question him about it. As he told interviewers on Friday he is tired of being asked where he will drive next year. He said it’s like having kids in the backseat on a long car trip constantly asking “are we there yet?” Tony stated that when he gets there, he’ll let us know..
Tony Stewart is known for being difficult with the press. In a recent interview, Nate Ryan of USA Today was asked who is the most difficult NASCAR personality to interview. Without hesitation, he answered that it was Tony Stewart. But in Tony’s defense, Nate also mentioned that when Tony feels like talking, he is also the best driver to interview..
Ryan said a Stewart interview can be difficult, “Because you never know which Tony you are going to get. If you talk to Tony Stewart when he is in the mood to talk or to do an interview, he’s maybe the best interview in the garage. But if you get him in a mood when he does not want to talk, then you’ve just got to chalk this one up to another day. It is not going to happen if he doesn’t want to make it happen.” Ryan also commented that he gets his best quotes from any driver from Stewart when he is in the mood to talk..
Right now Tony is not in the mood to talk about his future. However, he showed control and professionalism after Sunday’s disappointing finish. This is a Tony we are not used to seeing in these situations. But now it is time for Tony to make a decision about his future. Bring back the Tony who likes to talk and give good answers. This will allow his concentration to once again be on the racing. Maybe then Tony can leave Tough Luck Tony behind and get back into the winner’s circle. .
The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.
