17 Years Later, Another Owner-Driver Leads the Points
Tony Stewart, a co-owner of the first-year Stewart-Haas Racing team, leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings and the historical significance cannot be overlooked.

The last time a driver-owner led the series points was the final day of the 1992 season when the late Alan Kulwicki claimed the championship with a second-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

And here’s the part that scary for the rest of the competition: Stewart has risen to the top of the standings without winning a race. After 13 events, he has nine top 10s and six top fives.

One has to think the wins are going to come – soon.

RICK HENDRICK RESPONDS TO GENERAL MOTORS ANNOUNCEMENT

CONCORD, N.C. (June 1, 2009) – Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, today responded to the announcement by General Motors that it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection:

“The products General Motors offers are the highest quality and most fuel efficient in its history, and I have an unwavering faith in the company’s leadership team and our government’s commitment to support this reorganization. After all of the efforts of the past several months, it’s unfortunate that bankruptcy has become the only option, but we at Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports are certain that GM will emerge from this stronger and better equipped to compete than ever before.

Continue reading “GM Bankruptcy: Hendrick Motorsports Responds”

NSCS Recap: Jimmie Johnson Charges From Behind To Win At Dover
DOVER, DE. — Jimmie Johnson drove like a three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Sunday afternoon, storming past two-time champion Tony Stewart with three laps remaining to win the Autism Speaks 400 presented by Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips and Chips at Dover International Speedway.

Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photo

Johnson literally dominated the event from start to finish with a perfect driver rating (150.0) but had to come from ninth to first in less than 30 laps after the 10th caution of the day slowed the field.

Stewart and several others opted for two tires on the last stop, which sent them back on the track ahead of Johnson, whose team decided to put four fresh tires on his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet.

Continue reading “Jimmie Johnson Wins Dover Thriller”

RACE RECAP | DOVER
10 Mark Martin
9 Casey Mears
8 Ryan Newman is now top 5 in the points
7 Carl Edwards
6 Kasey Kahne
5 Kurt Busch
4 Matt Kenseth
3 Greg Biffle 4th top 5 this season
2 Tony Stewart – a bridesmaid yet again, but leaves with the points lead by 46

VICTORY LANE

1 Jimmie Johnson grabs his 2nd win of 2009, leading 298 laps, recovered from a bad pit stop for his 4th career Dover win, it’s his 42nd career win, and averages a win every 6th race.  It’s also the 11th Hendrick win at Dover.

OTHER STORIES ON THE DAY

-Jeff Gordon had a strong car after adjustments, unfortunately he was already 2 laps down.  Jeff finished 26th and loses the points lead to Tony Stewart

-Kyle Busch has splitter problems late in the race and went a lap down ends up 23rd

-Pole-sitter David Reutimann took evasive action when David Stremme spun in front of him

-Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran top 5 in parts of this race and showed some improvement finishing 12th