#14-Tony Stewart [Chevy] likely will have a new drafting partner Sunday with this two-car tandem. Stewart has worked with #34-David Gilliland [Ford] in the past but didn’t get to practice with him Friday. Stewart said: “I’ve kind of heard the Ford guys are kind of being told they have to stay with Ford guys.” ⦠Stewart drafted with #47-Bobby Labonte [Toyota] in the first practice and with #51-Landon Cassill [Chevy] in the second practice session.(Virginian Pilot)(10-22-2011)
UPDATE: The dictum of Ford drivers helping only other Ford drivers in Sunday’s race came from Ford Racing brass and team owner Jack Roush during a meeting early in the week. In fact, Roush’s loyalty to the brand is legendary. So Gilliland, who drives for Front Row, won’t be on Stewart’s bumper on Sundayâat all. “Yeah, we aren’t,” Gilliland said. “It’s such a tight points battle right now, and we’re going to try to help the Ford guys out all we can.” Apparently, Roush talked about the Ford solidarity in no uncertain terms.(Sporting News)(10-23-2011)
