Posted by GEORGE October 29, 2009 3:20:25 PM
Tony Stewart will probably not match his 2005 feat of leading the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings after 26 races, and then continuing on to win the 2005 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. But I would have to say this season still may be his best all-around performance of his successful career.
Tony took over a failing operation which had no hope of ever being a NASCAR Sprint Cup contender and he has it showing signs of success in less than one year. No one thought it could happen, and no one predicted the success that Stewart-Haas Racing has achieved this year.
Stewart didn't do it alone, of course. Ryan Newman's influence as a seasoned driver together with his engineering education contributed greatly to the strides made by the race team this year. Joe Gibbs is a proven leader, and possesses the ability to surround himself with the people who he knows can do the job. Stewart learned that lesson very well from Gibbs, and Tony hired the right people and let them do their jobs.
The equipment Tony chose to use has been a significant success story in itself. Hendrick engines are a cut above the rest, and Tony Stewart knew that going in. In years to come, expect Stewart-Haas engines to come into being and charge to the front. But for now, Stewart made the right decision to put the best engines available in his cars, no matter the cost.
There are two other factors which are every bit as important as the ones mentioned above: Tony Stewart is one of the best and most accomplished drivers in NASCAR Racing. A few years ago, I was saying that Smoke was the best of the best. Another year, or maybe two, and you may hear me say those same words again. Good equipment still needs good drivers to win, and Tony is one of the best. The last factor making the team successful is the maturity of Tony Stewart, coupled with the trait of accepting nothing but success.
Peaks and valleys happen to NASCAR race teams, and it has never been more evident than today. Hendrick Motorsports seems to be securely perched on a peak with no valleys in site. Some have even compared Hendrick's success with the New York Yankees. As of right now, no other team can match it, but Stewart-Haas is is a team climbing the peak at record speed. Success breeds success, and Stewart-Haas will be the next team standing with Hendrick Motorsports. Incidentally, the Yanks got beat last night.
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