There was only one thing that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart said would have pulled him away from Las Vegas: the opportunity to celebrate in his hometown. Stewart, a Columbus native, won his third Sprint Cup title Nov. 20 in a championship that came down to the last race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. He jetted back from a Vegas awards show to Columbus Saturday night to take part in the city’s annual Festival of Lights Parade. “I love it,” Stewart said of the parade. “I’m really appreciative that they asked me to be the grand marshal, and I’m very honored to be back home.” Stewart’s fans were equally happy to see their hometown hero.(Columbus Republic)(12-4-2011)
