Stewart-Haas Racing Richmond Review - Neither Driver Left Happy

Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

The Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night was a mixed bag for the Stewart-Haas Racing drivers. One ran well and one finished well - but neither was happy at the end of the night.

Ryan Newman ran toward the front most of the night until he and Juan Pablo Montoya played bumper tag. Newman looked poised for a top-10 finish after starting 13th on the .75 mile track. On Lap 108, however, Newman made contact with Juan Pablo Montoya and neither driver was willing to accept the blame or let it go.

On Lap 238, Montoya spun Newman and the hit ended any chance for a good finish. NASCAR warned Montoya to stay away from Newman and the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet crossed the finish line in the 20th spot.

Newman indicated he would take care of things after the race and headed straight to the NASCAR hauler to talk about the incidents. It appears that NASCAR will let them settle it on the track.



Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

Tony Stewart went a lap down early and ran in the middle of the pack but thanks to a “lucky dog” had a top-10 finish.

Stewart was expecting a good run at Richmond where he loves to race. “It is my favorite track,” Stewart said of the place where he has won three Sprint Cup and two Camping World series races.

The Stewart-Haas owner/driver started the race near the rear of the field after qualifying in the 31st spot. After only 76 laps of driving an ill-handling car, Stewart found himself down a lap. On Lap 257, he was able to get his lap back and when he did moved toward the front.

Although he finished the race ninth, the driver of the No. 14 Mobil 1/Office Depot Chevrolet was not happy with his team’s performance

“We couldn’t make our car turn for anything. I mean, we have a lot of work to do right now,” said Stewart.

The duo now heads to Darlington for another Saturday night race where all eyes will be on Newman and Montoya to see if their feud continues and who the innocent victims might be if they choose to continue their skirmish on the track.