The persistent rain that washed out all on-track activity at Pocono Raceway yesterday provided a welcome break for veteran driver Jeff Gordon, who has been nursing a sore back.
It didn’t bother NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Tony Stewart, either. Because of the rain, the lineup for tomorrow’s Pocono 500 was determined by driver points, so Stewart will start from the pole. Philadelphia Inquirer
“Obviously everybody is disappointed we didn’t get on the racetrack today, but it worked out good for myself and Jeff (Gordon),” Stewart said. “It’s nice to be able to get a front row starting spot because of rain.”
Jeff Gordon will start on the outside pole.
“For us, it worked out well and got an extra day of rest, got a great starting position, great pit stall and now we’ll just focus on the race Sunday by getting out there tomorrow with the car in race conditions,” Gordon said.
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Jimmie Johnson, winner of last Sunday’s race at Dover, will roll off third, followed by Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman. MiamiHerald.com
They’re all looking up at Stewart, who’s fashioned a surprising run for a third career Cup title in his inaugural season with Stewart Haas Racing.
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“I still think Tony is crazy for starting up his own team, but he’s doing a great job with it,” said Johnson, who nipped Stewart to win last week at Dover.
“Make it quick, I’m actually trying to make it back to qualify in case I didn’t stress that enough,” Stewart joked in the media room after Friday’s Pocono washout became official.
The pole winner is usually the last driver to talk to reporters, though Gordon graciously switched places with Stewart to allow him to fly out earlier.
“You earned it man, you’re the points leader,” Gordon told Stewart with a smile after the two exchanged handshakes as Stewart left the stage. Stewart is the first driver/owner to lead in points since Alan Kulwicki won the 1992 Cup championship. The Associated Press
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