Driver Spotlight: Tony Stewart (Preseason Addition)

By Richard Tix

A look at previous Driver Spotlight's

When Tony Stewart looks back at the 2013 season, it wont be on he wants to remember. For the first time in his career Smoke was forced to miss a race. 521 Cup starts without missing a beat. Just take a look at his career and you will start to realize how upset he must have been not to be able to get into a car, and for awhile not eat soda cookies.

Smoke is Chasing Richard Petty's 18 straight seasons with at least one win. Stewart, even after only racing in 21 races, is at 15 straight seasons (which is every year in his Cup career). Last year and 2008 are the only seasons he had not had multiple victories in a season. Other then 2006 (11th), 2013 was the only time he finished outside the top 9 in standings.

After all of that being said, people still question if Tony Stewart can come back as strong as he was before? I might end up eating crow, but I laugh at those people. Not one time in his career has Smoke missed a beat or been pushed around. He has 48 career wins and most likely will be the newest driver to hit the 50 win mark, which is remarkable. If you take a look at the current drivers today it is hard to pick out many who might make 50 (Maybe Kyle Busch? Kurt? Kenseth if 2014 is like 2013? Really its hard to trust many). Yet, Smoke should get it done in his 16th season.

I have no doubt in my mind Tony Stewart will come back, make the Chase, and possibly push for his 4th Championship. The only question is, when will he get his first win of 2014? When will he get 50 career wins? And will he try and lay the smack down on Joey Logano again?

So, what do you think NASCAR Nation! Let me know on Twitter? Will he get 50 this year? Will he bounce back? When will his first win come? Will he make the Chase? Lets hear it! Let the count down continue!

Also, take a look back at last years in season Driver Spotlight on Smoke.