By claiming the Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge win in Sunday’s Nextel Cup race at Kansas Speedway, Tony Stewart’s over-the-wall crew moved into a three-way tie for first place in the season-long competition. It was the fourth win of the season for Stewart’s crew, equaling the number of victories scored by Jimmie Johnson’s and Kyle Busch’s teams. Along with paying the winning pit crew $10,500 at each race, Checkers/Rally’s will also award a $105,000 bonus to the crew with the most victories at the completion of the 36-race schedule. The weekly pit crew winner is determined by the team which spends the lowest cumulative time on pit road and finishes on the lead lap. Stewart, who drove his #20 Chevrolet to Victory Lane in Kansas, praised his crew for an outstanding effort during the 267-lap, 400-mile event. “I’m really proud of the guys on this Home Depot team,” said Stewart. “They work so hard and had an awesome day at Kansas. We never lost a position on pit lane all day. We at least maintained or gained positions on each stop. It was the best day the guys have had on pit road all season.” Stewart’s over-the-wall crew is comprised of: Jason Lee (jackman), Tom Dean (front-tire carrier), Ira-Jo Hussey (front-tire changer), Jody Fortson (rear-tire carrier), Todd Foster (rear-tire changer), Jeff Patterson (gasman), Brian Larson (catch can) and Scott Geerts (windshield). The team’s crew chief is Greg Zipadelli and the pit stop coordinator is Paul Alepa. “The Home Depot crew really picked it up and kept us in contention by being consistent,” added Stewart, “That’s what the Double Drive-Thru Challenge is all about. It proves that consistency means more than one quick stop.” To date, Checkers/Rally’s has paid out $304,500 in NEXTEL Cup Series prize money during this season. The Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge is in its second season with the Nextel Cup Series. Checkers/Rally’s is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(10-4-2006)
