2008 Preseason No. 4: Tony Stewart

No. 20 Home Depot Toyota

2008 Spin
Tony Stewart made one thing clear at the 2007 Awards Banquet in New York: If he doesn’t finish the season as champion, it doesn’t much matter where he finishes. “We’re up here getting the whatever-place trophy again this year, and Jimmie and the No. 48 team are over there collecting big trophies and even bigger checks,” he said half-jokingly.

Sure, Tony was happier being in the top 10 than missing the Chase like he did in ’06. But all that really matters to a hammer-down driver like Stewart is winning. He embodies the adage that finishing second just makes you the first loser.

Despite finishing ’07 a respectable sixth in points, there was something slightly amiss on the Home Depot team during the Chase. Tempers were short, finally boiling over at Homestead when Stewart slammed the wall. “Here, see if you can fix it now!” he snapped on his team radio. But whatever unrest remains will have to be put on the back burner. The team faces even bigger challenges in 2008, as Joe Gibbs Racing terminates its relationship with perennial Cup overachiever GM in favor of unproven newcomer Toyota. 

The 2007 season was the manufacturer’s first year in Cup, and the seven drivers who fielded Camrys failed to win, combined for only two top-5 finishes and ended the season ranked anywhere from 31st to 44th in the standings. None of those teams had the backing of a powerhouse organization like Gibbs or the talent of a two-time Cup champion behind the wheel. Still, one of the most pressing questions early on will be how the move affects the team in ’08. It’s notable that Stewart, a long-time Chevy supporter, won’t sign a contract extension until after next season begins.

Tony will also be adjusting to a new team member, as Kyle Busch makes the move from Hendrick Motorsports, replacing J.J. Yeley. Speculation has run rampant regarding whether Stewart and Busch — both volatile personalities — will click or clash as teammates this year. At least Stewart and crew chief Greg Zipadelli will likely work out their differences — after nine full seasons together, they’re now the longest-tenured driver/crew chief team on the circuit. Stewart has ranked in the top 10 in eight of his nine Cup seasons, finishing 11th in 2006, and remains a threat for the checkers week in and week out. If this team jumpstarts the Toyota program just enough, expect them to be challenging for the top once again.

Opposing Crew Chiefs’ Take
“Good organization. When (Tony’s) on, he’s on, but if he’s off, if something happens to him, it ruins his whole race. With Kyle (Busch) coming over (to Joe Gibbs Racing), it’ll step Tony’s level up, too. … It’s all there. Tony’s personality is so up and down, you never know which Tony is going to show up. Usually
he gets in a bunch of trouble, shows his butt, then he gets on fire. It’s going to be a little bit hard on Tony because there’ll be so much hype on Kyle and Denny (Hamlin). I think having another young, brash guy (Busch) is going to get inside Tony’s head.”

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: Stewart is still the King of the Road ... for now.
Pretty Solid Pick: His style fits the slick, fast intermediate tracks.
Good Sleeper Pick: Tony isn’t afraid to get aggressive on the short tracks.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: Not many places on a regular basis.
Insider Tip: Stewart’s talent hasn’t diminished, but the Camry, while fast, could prove to be a wildcard.

For more in-depth driver news and hard-hitting features, order your 2008 Athlon Sports Racing Annual here.