CONCORD, N.C. — Tony Stewart won his first race as a team owner Saturday night, breaking through for a $1 million payday with a victory in the annual All-Star race.
Stewart passed Matt Kenseth with two laps to go of a thrilling final 10-lap shootout to win his first All-Star event in 11 starts. It was the first victory since he left Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of last year, after two championships and 10 successful seasons, to become co-owner of Stewart- Haas Racing.
Kenseth finished second and was followed by Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards.
The format of the Sprint- sponsored event was once again changed, this time to cut the 100-lap race into four segments that culminated with a 10-lap sprint to the finish. It was a nod to races past, which had a history of dramatic dash-for-the-cash finishes.
It didn’t disappoint.
Flyin’ Dutchman qualifies.
Hitting the wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — twice — could slow down some drivers.
Not Robert Doornbos, who shook off two crashes in practice last week and led the third of four rounds of time trials for the Indianapolis 500 as the final 11 spots in the 33-car field were tentatively filled.
The Dutchman, a rookie at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, crashed on consecutive days in the first week of practice for the May 24 race and missed the opening weekend of qualifying.
He came back strong with a four-lap average of 221.692 mph Saturday to grab the 23rd position in the lineup.
McClenathan holds top spot.
Cory McClenathan raced to his first No. 1 qualifying position of the season at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol, Tenn.
McClenathan held on to the top spot in top fuel with his 3.874-second run at 312.21 mph from Friday. It was the 33rd top effort of his career and first at this track. He’ll face Michael Gunderson in the first round.
Ashley Force Hood claimed her second No. 1 position of the season in funny car, also with her Friday run of 4.105 at 298.67 mph in a Ford Mustang. She’ll face Andy Kelley in the opener.
The Associated Press
Today’s race
NHRA
Thunder Valley Nationals
Site: Bristol, Tenn.
TV: ESPN2, 5 p.m., tape
Track: Bristol Dragway
Next event: O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, May 29-31, Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan.
On the Net: www.nhra.com
