His Driver’s Knoxville National Win

Stewart carries a rooting interest to Nationals: his sprint-car team’s drivers, Donny Schatz and Kraig Kinser.

“I’m more nervous when I’m watching my cars because I have no control of what’s happening,” Stewart wrote in an e-mail interview. “The fun factor works both ways. Obviously, watching both of our cars and watching Donny (Schatz) and Kraig (Kinser) run, it’s a place where they both have run just unbelievably good and have both won the Knoxville Nationals.”

Schatz owns the last two Nationals crowns and Kinser won in 2005.

Danny Lasoski celebrated Nationals triumphs with Stewart in 2001 and 2003-04.

So, what are Stewart’s favorite Knoxville memories?

“The first one that comes to mind is Doug Wolfgang coming from the D-Main to the A-Main and finishing fifth in the A-Main,” said Stewart, who stands ninth in Cup points.

“And the first year as a car owner when I was there with (Lasoski) in 2001 and we won the Knoxville Nationals. I won it as a car owner. That was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Stewart hopes to churn up more dirt-based impressions this week as an owner – and next month as a driver in the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals.

“No matter where I’m at, if I’m leading the Sprint Cup points, I’m going to be there and race this year,” said Stewart, who didn’t race last year because of other obligations.

“The fans were really understanding last year and understood why we didn’t run, but this year, not having the Nationwide race, I’ll be there early enough and won’t have to worry about the fatigue factor. We’ll be able to go there and enjoy ourselves.”

Much like this week, but with an added and welcomed element: control.

“Just to be a part of the starting field for that event is in itself, to me, a huge accomplishment,” Stewart said.

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