CLERMONT — Chuck Gurney Jr. got the biggest win of his career at O’Reilly Raceway Park on a night when most of the fans will remember Tony Stewart’s display of anger at a USAC official.
Stewart, the two-time Sprint Cup champion, owns the midget cars of Tracy Hines and Levi Jones. Hines entered Thursday’s race as the points leader and was running in the top four when he brushed the outside wall on a restart on the eighth circuit
Hines’ crew attempted to change a right rear flat tire and get Hines back into the race before another restart. As the crew pushed the car to the front of the straightaway, a USAC official indicated they were too late.
That brought Stewart down pit lane to voice his displeasure with the decision. Stewart’s actions first knocked the headset from the official’s head, and he then shoved the official.
It was unknown if USAC officials would issue any penalties against Stewart.
Gurney took the lead at the start from the outside of the front row and led all 30 laps for the win, but he had to turn back a late challenge from Darren Hagen.
It appeared Gurney was headed to the victory when the caution flag waved with three laps remaining. On the final restart, Hagen ran out of fuel, which allowed Gurney to win followed by Kasey Kahne and Bobby Santos III
“We’ve run good all year,” Gurney said. “When I saw the caution I thought it was just my luck. I didn’t know if I could hold off Hagen and Kasey Kahne.”
Jones finished fourth, with Bobby Wiese turning in a strong run to place fifth after starting 18th in the field.
Fast qualifier Bobby East never got to start the 30-lap feature because of a mechanical problem.
The USAC J.D. Byrider 100 for the K&N; Filters Silver Crown series finished past press time.
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Gurney wins, Stewart loses temper
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