Posted on 01/24/2006 2:30:50 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart has had such a successful racing career that he's becoming a regular at the White House.
Stewart said President Bush recalled his two previous visits to the Oval Office one for his first Cup championship and another with other top drivers when he came in for a third on Tuesday.
"It's a real big honor to be able to come here and have the president remember you," Stewart told reporters as he left the West Wing. "He said, `I'd like to see you back here next year.' So I'm definitely on his side on that. I would love to come back here next year as a champion again."
The entire No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet team was included in the meeting. Stewart gave Bush a team driving suit, and Bush checked out the car parked outside.
Joe Gibbs, owner of the team and coach of the Washington Redskins, said Bush was joking with all the guys. It got so chummy that one team member gave the president a sporty pat on the rear and told him he is doing a good job, Gibbs said.
"I was talking to Tony, and I said, `Who would believe that eight years ago when I was talking to you on this ramp at this little airport and we were trying to get together racing, we'd wind up at the White House?'" Gibbs said. "So, it's a big thrill for all of us."
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On the Net:
White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov
Norm, it looks like Tony has put on quite a few pounds in the off season. The team is either going to have to shorten his steering wheel column or set his seat further back, LOL! At least it looks like he cleaned himself up for the WH visit -- shaved, showered, maybe even used a little aftershave. Might be the last time he bathes until next November. ;-)
Go 24 and 48!
Hey, can I be on your ping list?
"I was for NASCAR before I was for Formula One"
LOL!!
I hope Tony gave a few pointers so Bush can run a few Democrats into the wall...
I'm trying to worm my way into a luxuary suite for the April race at Texas Speedway. ...wish me luck.
That's the spirit. A little grease never hurt any guy.
I know it would be a huge task, but i'd like to see Kyle Busch win it next year.
With Tony's new attitude and increased weight I'd venture to guess that he's on antipsychotics.
You go right on - that and three bucks'll get you a cup of Starbucks.
This is a great pic!
(here's one for yer scrapbook LUV!)
Thanks for the pictures!
He got a little banged up in a Midget race didn't he?
I thought he rolled it twice.
Hubba-Hubba! You got that right NYT...it went straight into the collection. Two hunks in one picture...thanks for that gift! :o)
It was the Chili Bowl qualifying race, he rolled twice. Had a cast on his arm although they say it's not broken.
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