#20 - Tony Stewart (Columbus, IN)

12th Chili Bowl Appearance

Chili Bowl Main Event Starts: 9

Chili Bowl Main Event Finishes:  13th (1993), 8th (1994), 11th (1995), 20th (1998), 1st (2002), 3rd (2003), 4th (2004), 23rd (2005), 1st (2007)

2007 Chili Bowl Results:

Friday: 1st in Heat 3; 4th in Qualifier 2; 2nd in A Main

Saturday: 1st in A Main

The two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion likes to return to his dirt-tracking, open-wheel roots as often as possible, and the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals fits the bill perfectly.

"Smoke Johnson", as he's known around the Bowl after once entering the event under the moniker, does a lot more than just enjoy all the Chili Bowl festivities.  He comes to Tulsa each January intent on winning, which is exactly what he did in 2007 to snare his second Golden Driller trophy after taking top Bowl honors for the first time in 2002.

The 1995 USAC Triple Crown champion (titles in Sprint Cars, Midgets and Silver Crown) has finished among the top ten on five different occasions at the Chili Bowl.

Also a past IRL champion, Tony's 2007 season netted a final finish of sixth in NASCAR Nextel Cup points with his three victories running his career Cup win total to 32.

For the second year in a row, Tony comes to the Chili Bowl fielding his own team of Chevrolet-powered cars, with teammates including USAC Sprint Car champion Levi Jones, Late Model ace Josh Richards and 2005 Chili Bowl champion Tracy Hines.

Car Owner:  Tony Stewart Motorsports

Chassis:  Spike

Engine:  Chevrolet by Hawk

Sponsors: Chevrolet, Bass Pro, Armor All, Mac Tools, Weld

Photo: Tony Stewart captured his second Golden Driller trophy by winning the Chili Bowl Nationals in 2007. (TWC Photo)