From the July, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Tony Stewart Captures First Win of 2007
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| It was a long time coming for the two-time former champion. No one needed a win more than Tony Stewart entering Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400. With the revised seeding in the Chase for the Championship this year where drivers are seeded based on wins, a winless Stewart would have found himself in the bottom half of the 12 drivers racing for the championship. Add that to the pressure that's building in Smoke's shop with the emergence of Denny Hamlin as a top-level driver, and I'm sure Smoke's desire for a win was at a boiling point. However, nothing relieves pressure like a win and a small climb up the flagstand. ``I'm glad this is over, I'm going on vacation.'' said Stewart in the winner's circle. The win for Stewart, 30th of his career, came in a dominating fashion. The only true contender was Jimmie Johnson who wrecked out late in the race. Let's hope that Smoke can build on this win and finish the season in the same strong manner he finished 2006. The next race is at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a special place to all drivers but especially for Tony. With an average finish inside the top ten, expect Tony to contend for a win at the Brickyard!
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