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HARTFORD, OHIO – JULY 23: Tony Stewart #14 talks with his crew prior to the start of the SRX qualifying race at Sharon Speedway on July 23, 2022 in Hartford, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/SRX/Getty Images)

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HARTFORD, OHIO – JULY 23: Tony Stewart #14 talks with his crew prior to the start of the SRX qualifying race at Sharon Speedway on July 23, 2022 in Hartford, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/SRX/Getty Images)
NASCAR Cup Series over the years has provided the racing community with some of the memorable moments. This ranges from intense drama, high-voltage racing, and at times bitter disappointment. Talking about disappointments, one that stands out in NASCAR’s history is Ron Fellows’ second-place finish at Watkins Glen in 2004. If only he had beaten a certain Tony Stewart!
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At that time, the qualifying races had to be canceled due to the rain, and the lineup was decided based on the owner’s points, this saw Fellows start the race in 43rd position. It sure was a moment of agony for the Canadian driver when he saw the win slip out of his hands in the final lap. Fellows did understand that winning feeling as he had clinched 24-hour events at Le Mans and Daytona but this one got away from him.
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Tony Stewart had to defy nature’s call to win at Watkins Glen
Tony Stewart is a different beast when it comes to competing in NASCAR. He did anything and everything possible to leave his best efforts on the field. Starting at P4, Tony might have clinched the race but this was not without pain, cramps, and clearing his own pipes. Before the race, Stewart did complain of an empty stomach but he had to focus on the race that had already been hindered by bad weather.
Next thing you know, he was awarded the nickname of “Tony Dingleberry Stewart”. In the wake of getting neat and clean for the award ceremony and interview, Stewart was rushed back to his hauler. Wet tracks or wet pants, nothing was going to come into his way of claiming the victory at Watkins Glen that day. Leading 46 of 90 laps, his Chevrolet managed to pull off a close win against Ron Fellows by just 1.547 seconds.
Fellows was happy with the car he had but disappointed in himself for not getting the win. “I definitely botched that first pit stop. When I came in, I was going just a little too hot. When I dipped the clutch and hit the brakes I stalled the engine and I lost the power steering. I don’t have any complaints, just a little disappointment. Second again, man.”
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An exhausted Ron Fellows' interview after Watkins Glen 2004. Ron charged from last to 2nd in the #1 DEI car, and most likely would have won if eventual winner Tony Stewart pitted for a relief driver due to illness. pic.twitter.com/iUxD9AzBzD
— Nathan 😀👍 (@KensethFan17_20) January 6, 2024
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Tony Stewart has a reputation for perfection and that has not changed even after he retired from Cup racing.
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Stewart-Haas Racing looking to make a statement in 2024
SHR won’t be able to now rely on the tried and tested shoulder of Kevin Harvick as his time with the team is done. This has now allowed the team to make that major reset they were looking for in a long time. It will be the young bloods like Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece, and the experienced Chase Briscoe who will look to turn the tides for Stewart-Haas Racing this season.
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This rallying cry and the ambition to reignite their identity has been led by their co-owner Tony Stewart. After several posts and messages sent out to the fans in their bid to remind everyone of the team’s identity, they have gone on to add one more recently. “We’re a no-frills, no-fuss breed. We don’t race for the money but to hand banners and live out the racers’ dream.”
Just a team of racers hungry for success. pic.twitter.com/ooEVXOE2oz
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) January 5, 2024
One thing is for certain, SHR can certainly do better than their below-par showing of the 2023 season. But will they meet the expectations and demands they have set for themselves?
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