“Smoke” rises as Sprint Cup season ends

Trevor Roppolo — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:48:00 GMT

Last Sunday marked the end of the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season and the end to Jimmie Johnson’s reign of five straight championships. In arguably the most exciting championship battle in NASCAR history, Tony Stewart edged out Carl Edwards for the Homestead Ford 400 victory AND the Sprint Cup trophy.

Tony “Smoke” Stewart’s performance during this race (and throughout the entire Chase, really) was an amazing feat of talent, determination and grit—and it’s something as a long-time NASCAR fan that will stick in my mind forever. He passed 118 cars (sometimes 3 at a time) on his way from the back of the pack TWICE after issues with his grill put him as far back as 40^th position. He dodged wrecks, debris and problems on pit road. He dodged raindrops and big picture uncertainties with his crew. He made his car work high, low and everywhere in between. It was like he was channeling Earnhardt and the luck of the gods.

Tony Stewart was already considered one of the sport’s top drivers… In my mind now, he has crossed over to “legend” status alongside names like Pearson, Petty and Stewart’s own hero, A.J. Foyt. Congratulations Smoke!

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“Smoke” rises as Sprint Cup season ends