From the September, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Who's Not?
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| The world of NASCAR is so competitive and dynamic that last year's top 3 finishers in the Chase for the Championship (Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, and Carl Edwards) did not even qualify for this year's Chase. While I could dedicate this week's Who's Hot section to all 3 drivers, I'd prefer to focus on only one. Heading into the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, there was very little talk of Tony Stewart not making the Chase. Tony was locked in the 8th position, and only needed a 16th place finish to secure his spot in this year's Chase. No problem for a 2 time defending champion, right? Oh how we were wrong! Tony's weekend was in danger from the start. "Smoke" wrecked his car in the practice session, and had to move to an older back up car. The costly mistake meant Tony had to start at the rear of the field. In the world of short track racing, the rear of the field is the last place you want to start from. Tony struggled for most of the night, and made it as high as 14th place before going a lap down to finish 18th. The dismal finish left a usually outspoken Stewart sullen, and left only to ponder what may be in 2007.
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