|
LUVRACIN REPORTER GETS PERSONAL WITH TONY STEWART AND A QUICK
MOMENT WITH ROBBY GORDON
07/31/08 – 11:00 a.m.
Track Reporter: Sue Doane
I had the opportunity to sit down and get personal with Tony
Stewart before the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday,
July 27, 2008.
When I asked him about what some of the features will be in
his Log Mansion he gave me some brief highlights: 2 bowling lanes, Theater,
Schlitz on tap, Full bar, Poker Room, 400 Fenced-in acres and the
Nature preserve.
Tony has built a beautiful home on high land for the couple
that takes care of his property. He is currently living in their basement.
But, don't worry. Tony said, "Hey-it's a nice basement!"
Curiosity intrigued me to ask about the Armour All Commercial:
The convenience store that he was taped standing in front of was an actual
Mom & Pop convenience store not far from his North Carolina home. When asked
him if he enjoyed the filming of the girl kissing him, he had a great story
for me. He said that what we didn't get to see was the part where the girl
was supposed to run and jump on him. AND he wasn't supposed to move!
Tony said, "A moving object just doesn't stop moving, you know. Plus, she
wasn't a real tiny girl!"
So, they just made it where Tony stands there while getting covered with
smooches. However, the make-up girl was the one that actually applied the
lipstick marks on his face!
Talked about dirt racing at Macon Speedway:
He really loves racing at the "little bullring" and was scheduled to race
there on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. However, it was rained out and
rescheduled for Sept. 3, 2008.
People often wonder about the Sponsors, so I asked:
Home Depot and Tony Stewart both have contract with JGR. So, the sponsor
stays with the owner, for the most part, if a driver leaves. So, Tony's new
sponsors will have a contract with him, as driver and owner.
It was
brought up and asked why he decided thought it was a good idea to go ahead
with team in NASCAR on the Cup level. He said that it is too hard to just
leave the sport 100% when you retire. He mentioned Ricky Rudd, for example.
Ricky left and came back.
He doesn't want to do it like that. He wants to be able to keep himself in
the thick of things when he stops racing. So, what better way than with his
own team.
He went on to talk about Brett Favre. He said, "Look at Brett Favre. One of
the strongest, most fearless men in football. The man wept on national TV as
he talked about retiring." Tony said it was like they were taking his life
away (paraphrased.) That's one of the reasons he did this.
On a personal and special note, I asked about his niece and nephew:
Uncle Tony thinks the world of Emma and Will. It is obvious to anyone that
sees them together that he is a real part of their lives and that they are
tops in his eyes.
Tony admits, however, that he and Natalie were "total brats" compared to the
well-behaved pair.
When talking about the Arena Racing coming up:
Tony wants to be involved with the new arena racing scheduled for December
2008 in Kansas. However, he doubts he will be there or at the Chili Bowl
this coming year.
The 2009 Prelude at Eldora, however, is already in the planning stages.
--------------
I had a brief moment when I caught Robby Gordon and was able to get a few
questions answered:
Robby was attending an autograph signing for one of his sponsors and I had
the pleasure of speaking with him. He was in a great hurry, but was kind
enough to answer a couple of questions for me.
Was he ready for the Brickyard? How's the car handling?
He said he was not pleased with his qualifying effort-thought they could
have been better, but he really thought the car was good.
Robby finished 33 and started in the 29th position.
That's it from your roving LuvRacin.com reporter!
|
