Tony Stewart fills grandstand for dirt track racing in North Dakota

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Stewart thrills North Dakota crowd

WEST FARGO, N.D. — It was another state and another dirt track race for Tony Stewart. But not another victory.

The two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, known for racing just about anything with four wheels, finished third in the 25-lap late model feature Wednesday at the Red River Valley Speedway. He won his heat earlier in the night.

Stewart told the crowd that it was a “tricky track” that he didn’t figure out until it was too late.

“I think I’ll be a little bit better when I come back,” he said, drawing a roar from the crowd that stayed until nearly midnight for the final result.

Stewart came to North Dakota to promote the three-eighths-mile dirt track, which is being run this summer by the father of four-time World Of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz. Schatz races for Stewart.

“It’s cool to come here to Fargo and get a chance to run here,” Stewart told the crowd during a break in the program.

Stewart led early in the 24-car feature, but fell back before the midway point of the race. Cody Skytland of Fargo won the event.

Stewart said before the event that spending three days in North Dakota reminded him of his early days in racing, when he used to sleep in his car because he couldn’t afford a hotel. He said he has raced in about 40 states.

“I love what I do with NASCAR, but I’m still passionate about short track,” he said. “The good thing is that I get the luxury of having the best of both worlds.”

Stewart said he believes NASCAR should run a dirt track race.

“I’ve been lobbying for it for 11 years now,” he said.

Fargo driver Matt Aukland called it a thrill to compete against Stewart, especially because the 39-year-old NASCAR veteran drove a car belonging to Aukland’s team.

“In my mind it’s kind of like borrowing Tiger Woods a golf club,” Aukland said.

Aukland, 24, a third generation driver, said it was shocking to see a packed house at the 8,500-seat speedway, which has suffered in recent years from declining attendance. New track manager Danny Schatz shortened the half-mile track and changed the weekly races from Friday to Wednesday.

“It’s been a long time since (West Fargo) had a full grandstand,” Aukland said. “It used to be that way when I was growing up.”

Some fans came from at least five hours away. Rick and Peg Nelson drove 275 miles from Madela, Minn., to watch Stewart race and get his autograph with their $150 VIP tickets.

“He was super. Super great guy,” Rick Nelson said.

“I thought he was even cuter in person,” Peg Nelson said.

Jason and Corrie Mayher, who drove 200 miles from Bismarck, said they are longtime Stewart fans who hadn’t had a chance to see him race in person.

“We love his driving style,” Jason said. “And the fact he can drive anything with four wheels.”