Well I had watched the races off and on through the years, but never considered myself a big fan. I even had a very good friend, Grandy (Indy Sue), who is a dedicated racing fan, try to get me more interested in, what she calls, the greatest sport in the world.

So I watched the race that Sunday and haven't missed one since. Tony was a young man that really impressed me. I like his style. He has guts, but is not reckless. He and his crew have made mistakes, but that is what a rookie year is for. To learn. And he is learning fast. And Grandy, you are right. It is the greatest sport in the world.



Grandy and Tony - June 30, 1999

This is one of my favorite pics of Tony. Grandy is a good friend of mine and has also taught me a lot about NASCAR. (Thanks Grandy, and thanks for getting the autograph for me.) The picture was taken in Terre Haute, Indiana at the "Hot Lap Luncheon" which Tony attended. Also attending were Ken Schrader, Dave Blaney, and Bob Jenkins, who was the MC. There was a race run later that night at the Terre Haute Action Track.

"I may be a rookie in this series, but I have been racing for more than 20 years, learning how to race and how to win," Stewart said. "I think back the last 20 years of my life, since I started racing, and every win is special. This year I won a dirt Late Model race at Terre Haute (Indiana) and I was on cloud nine and kept Kenny Schrader awake three-quarters of the way to Daytona flying from Indiana talking about the race. I beat him that night to win the race."

For more info and pics go to:

NASCAR Hot Lap Luncheon



Official Tony Stewart Site





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