Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will return to his dirt-track roots Thursday night at Paducah (Ky.) International Raceway. He is set to drive the No. 14 J.D. Byrider/Chevy/Rayburn Dirt Late Model entry for Steve Barnett Racing as he attempts to win the WKYQ 93.3 FM “Night of NASCAR Stars” for the second consecutive year.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the dirt this week,” Stewart said. “We announced the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Prelude to the Dream event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday and talking about dirt racing made me really look forward to the next few weeks. I had a great time racing with Steve Barnett and the J.D. Byrider group last year at Paducah. Hopefully, we’ll end up in the winner’s circle like we did last year.”
Stewart, who is part owner of the Paducah track along with Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kenny Schrader, will make his first Dirt Late Model start of the 2010 season on Thursday. Barnett, his teammate and car owner for the event, carries J.D. Byrider sponsorship and also competes under the Tony Stewart Racing banner.
“Steve and his team always give me a great car to drive,” Stewart said. “Steve and I have been friends and racing partners for many years and it’s always fun to get to spend some time with him and his team. Having everyone from J.D. Byrider with us last year for the win was great. They’ve been a great partner to me over the years and I’m proud to represent their brand.”
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