Top Row Seat - Phoenix
Dateline: 11/08/99On sunday Tony Stewart became only the second person in NASCAR history to win two races in his rookie year in NASCAR's premier division. In 1987 the late Davey Allison won two races in his rookie campaign which kicked off a brilliant, but all too short, racing career.
In 1987 Davey had a remarkable month of May winning in both Talladega and Dover Downs during that month. However, Davey was not able to put together the consistency required to seriously challenge in the points standings. Davey failed to finish in the top ten in points during his rookie season.
Flash forward: With his win in Phoenix Tony Stewart has moved into fourth place in the points ahead of Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace and a whole host of more experienced racers. With just two races left on the schedule Tony could very easily become the third driver to ever finish in the top-five in points in his rookie season. (in 1966 James Hylton finished second to champion David Pearson and in 1958 Lloyd Rollins finished fourth)
This impressive rookie season begs the question Is Tony Stewart the best rookie ever? Personally, I truly think that he is. A combination of great equipment, a talented and helpful teammate, and the previously-underestimated Greg Zipadelli in the crew chief role has lead the exceptionally talented Stewart to an all-time great rookie season.
Given the great start that Tony has made in his Winston Cup career can he avoid the "Sophomore Jinx" and continue his winning ways in 2000? Tell the world what you think on the bulletin board. Or you can talk about all things NASCAR in the chat room where I stop by frequently.
