Tony Stewart nodded, smiled and complied with dozens fans asking for pictures and autographs Thursday night, but eventually he cut them off and told them he needed to pay attention to the stage in front of him. After all, Stewart was waiting to hear his name called. When his time finally came, the fans returned the love as Stewart, along with 11 other drivers, was inducted USAC Hall of Fame prior to the 100-lap Silver Crown Rick Vogler Classic at Lucas Oil Raceway. Stewart, a Columbus, Ind., native, was the first driver to win all three USAC national championships in a single season, in 1995, and is one six USAC ‘Triple Crown’ champions.’ He is also a member National Midget Hall of Fame. ‘This is the culmination of everything you do,’ Stewart said after the ceremony. ‘This is not what you think of while your career is going on, but toward the end of your career – and it’s not the end of my career yet; I plan on going and racing a little bit – this is the stuff that reminds you of all the hard work and the fun you had along the way.’ Stewart has ‘no idea’ where he will be next year but does not plan on leaving racing behind, saying he could race sprint cars just about anywhere in 2017.(Indianapolis Star)
