Faster Than a Speeding Bullet!
Dateline: 05/30/01
I just happened to be looking at my son's collection of die cast cars tonight, and found one that I think the manufacturer mislabled. He has the #24, Jeff Gordon model with Superman on the side, but after last weekend, I think the "Man of Steel" should really be on the side of Tony Stewart's #20.
Imagine if you will anyone but Superman following a schedule such as this:
9:25 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. CT: Hospitality appearance
9:50 a.m. CT: Tony Stewart changes into firesuit
10:15 a.m. CT: Driver introductions
11 a.m. CT: Start of the 85th Indianapolis 500
2:30 p.m. CT: Estimated end of Indianapolis 500
2:35 p.m. CT: Stewart examined at infield care center
2:45 p.m. CT: Stewart boards helicopter to airport
3 p.m. CT: Scheduled take-off for Concord (N.C.) Regional Airport
4:55 p.m. ET: Scheduled arrival at Concord Regional Airport
5 p.m. ET: Stewart flies to speedway
5:10 p.m. ET: Stewart lands at speedway near start/finish line
5:15 p.m. ET: Driver introductions
5:37 p.m. ET: "Gentleman, start your engines!"
5:45 p.m. ET: Start of the Coca-Cola 600
Schedule adapted from Joe Gibbs Racing Website
Some people said Tony Stewart was taking too many chances, was risking other driver's safety and more, but when it was all said and done, Tony Stewart had two Top Ten finishes to his credit, and was truly a contender to win both races. Not only that, but he also had over $250,000 in donations and matching funds for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a project of Kyle Petty and his wife, in memory of their son Adam. For fans who would like to join Tony and his team owners and sponsors in helping to make this camp for disabled and terminally ill children a reality, you can send donations to:
311 Branson Mill Road
Randleman, NC 27317
Wouldn't it be great if through the efforts of race fans, no matter who you root for on Sunday, enough contributions could be made to match the funds that Tony donated?
Sunday May 27, 2001, will long be remembered for the superhuman effort of one NASCAR driver, not only to win two races in a single day, but to help make the Petty's dream a reality. Tony Stewart's skill, courage and concern serves as an example to all who witnessed the events of that day. He didn't need a phone booth or a red "S" on his chest, to prove that he was Superman. All he needed was two fast cars and all the skill in the world. His competitive attitude was a breath of fresh air to a sport that some think had lost its luster. Tony, Clark Kent would have been proud of you!
