AVONDALE, Arizona – It appeared for a while that Tony Stewart would be able to turn around his slow start to the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sunday at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway.
Instead, Stewart found himself crashed twice in the CampingWorld.com 500 and left with a 39th place finish, his fourth straight finish of 30th or worse.
While the finish wasn’t an indication of Stewart’s performance Sunday, the result now leaves the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion 36th in the championship standing, last of any driver who’s competed in all four races this season.
Even Kurt Busch who returned to NASCAR following a three-race suspension Sunday sits three spots ahead of “Smoke” in the standings, following a fifth place performance in his first race of the season driving the No. 41 Haas Automation Chevrolet.
Before the Lap 238 accident in Turn 4, Stewart methodically climbed through the field and found himself battling Justin Allgaier for a spot inside the top-10, when the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops / Mobil 1 Chevrolet broke loose underneath the No. 51 sending Stewart into the wall.
Initially thinking they would have to head to the garage for repairs, crew chief Chad Johnston instructed his team to repair the car from pit road. Although mangled, Stewart returned to the race uncompetitive.
Less than 50 laps later however, Stewart had a run-in with Sam Hornish Jr. on the frontstretch causing even more damage, officially ending his day and adding a second DNF (did not finish) to his season.
While Stewart’s car sat wrecked in the garage, his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick won his fourth consecutive race at Phoenix International Raceway, a feat that hasn’t been pulled off since six-time champion Jimmie Johnson did so at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway from 2004 – 2005.
It’s mind boggling to think that Stewart is having such a disastrous start, especially after Stewart showed extreme confidence in his and the team’s ability during the Charlotte Media Tour in January.
But, despite the struggles thus far, Stewart has to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Stewart’s drive to the top-10 caught some off surprise, but maybe it gave a glimpse of what’s yet to come – if the No. 14 team is ever able to shake the monkey that’s on their back.
Next week offers that prime opportunity.
Over the years, Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway has relativity been a solid track for Stewart. With two wins at the 2.0-mile oval and 13 top-10 finishes overall in 23 starts, the Southern California-based track may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
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