Tony Stewart News

By Reid Spencer NASCAR Wire Service 8: The number of different winners in the last eight races at Sonoma Raceway.

Novato resident Michael Mohn, right, and his dad Tom stand at their campsite at Sonoma Raceway near Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

The 37-year-old Leffler, known by the nickname "LEFturn," died a week ago when his sprint car crashed into a wall at a New Jersey dirt track.

Last season's Sprint Cup win at Sonoma Raceway was a big deal for No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota driver Clint Bowyer.

Over the first 11 races, when Tony Stewart dipped to as low as 24th in the points standings, the three-time series champion earned an average of 23 points per race.

Bryan Clauson had a terrific 2012 when he won 21 feature races, captured the 2012 USAC National Sprint Car championship and qualified for the Indianapolis 500.

"I believe in America because we have great dreams - and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true."

FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 30 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, Daytona 500-winning crew chief and broadcaster.

TV: Friday -- Sprint Cup Series practice, 1 p.m., final practice, 3:30 p.m., on Speed.

Three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart returns to Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Tuesday, July 16 as the headliner of the 360 Smoke Shootout staged at the Ontario County Fairgrounds.

Last week, we gave you an exclusive preview from Mobil 1 featuring NASCAR's Tony Stewart and Formula One's Jenson Button demonstrating their stretching routines .

Gordon was caught up in Bobby Labonte's spin just a half-dozen laps into the Quicken Loans 400, ending the four-time Sprint Cup champion's chance for a strong finish.

Tony Stewart says safety standards at short tracks are as strong as they've ever been.

He had to use his backup car after crashing the primary one during Friday's practice, but ended his stay with a fifth-place finish in Sunday's Sprint Cup race.

Donny Schatz had a great weekend in the World of Outlaws Series, winning on Friday night in Minnesota.

Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. went on to break a winless record at this two mile track, but will Jr. Nation see a repeat performance this year? There are also several other drivers still desperately in need of a win as the Chase starts getting closer.

You know that ring of dirt in Plymouth? The one on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds, where local racecar drivers spin their wheels every Saturday night in the summer? Tony Stewart's been there.

Father's Day for Charlie Dean Leffler will be wrapped up in forced smiles, compassionate hugs and faces in shadows wiping away tears.

"Yeah, I have known Jason for a long time obviously. We grew up racing together and followed the same paths racing-wise.

Lee Spencer is the senior NASCAR writer for FOXSports.com. She has provided award-winning coverage of auto racing over the last 15 years.