[tkj24]

Rudd defends Gilliland after Michigan incident

SCENEDAILY - 09:53AM ET THURSDAY JUNE 21, 2007 - BY SCENEDAILY STAFF REPORT




Tony Stewart had stern words for David Gilliland after the two drivers got together during practice at Michigan International Speedway last weekend.
But Gilliland's teammate at Robert Yates Racing, Ricky Rudd, staunchly defended the younger driver.


"Tony is Tony. What else can you say?" Rudd said. "You can't question his driver ability. Everybody knows he's one of the best, if not the best out there, but he kind of has a habit of running his mouth at the wrong time.
"David got blamed for that wreck, but that wasn't David's fault. No one ever came around and asked anybody else what happened, but the videotape clearly shows what happened, and Tony screwed up. He just misjudged his distance and ran into the back of David."
Rudd said that since Gilliland is still an inexperienced driver, he "can't fight that battle" with Stewart.
"But I can tell you one thing, that was not David Gilliland's fault the other day," Rudd said. "But the media seemed to jump on it and wrote it the way Tony spoke it, but, anyway, that being said, David definitely belongs in Cup racing.
"He has all the talents and he adapts quicker than anybody I've ever seen when we go to a strange race track. He's right up to speed immediately. Our program and our team is not where it needs to be yet. They've been working very hard trying to get there and they're making progress, but I think before you can make a judgment on David, the whole thing has to come together."

[Nevadastars]

Ricky has been around long enough to know whats up, and I believe he is correct in everything he said. From the pics I saw, it certainly looked like Stewie just misjudged David and clipped him. But we all know Tony does nothing wrong.........in his eyes. I'm glad Ricky spoke up for his teamate.

[King43STP]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

Ricky has been around long enough to know whats up, and I believe he is correct in everything he said. From the pics I saw, it certainly looked like Stewie just misjudged David and clipped him. But we all know Tony does nothing wrong.........in his eyes. I'm glad Ricky spoke up for his teamate.

So am I. Even thou Tony is a top driver, he still has a big mouth. That said, before some Stewart fan start on me, I like Tony. He's one of the best talents in the sport, but he's no Martin or Rudd.

[LSC9901]

No question Tony has the ability and desire ... along with his holier than thou attitude.

[RUSTYFAN2]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

Ricky has been around long enough to know whats up, and I believe he is correct in everything he said. From the pics I saw, it certainly looked like Stewie just misjudged David and clipped him. But we all know Tony does nothing wrong.........in his eyes. I'm glad Ricky spoke up for his teamate.

Yes...Ricky is definately a "Stand-Up" guy!

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by RUSTYFAN2

Yes...Ricky is definately a "Stand-Up" guy!

Always has been for as long as I ccan remember.

[thunderfoot]

If I may repeat myself here. I have known David since he was 12 years old. I had the oppurtunity to work work for his father on his racers for a few years and there is no doubt that David is very good at shoeing a racer around the track. I am very proud to call him a friend. A cleaner driver than Tony, he doesnt let his mouth over rule his brain. If Tony would ever engage his brain before his mouth he would be a much better guy.

[kcoruol]

Another instance of young, inexperienced drivers jealous of Tony Stewart, so they drive the back of their cars into the front of Tony Stewart's!! Poor Tony, Poor Poor Tony!

When will NASCAR wake up and see what's happening to him. If NASCAR would just let Tony race by himself, he'd win a lot more races!!

If there was some way that Tony could prevent these novice drivers from stopping their cars on the track, right in the middle of the race, right in front of Tony!

I Know!








Tony's Death Ray

[thunderfoot]

Lets all shed a tear for Tony

[tkj24]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

Lets all shed a tear for Tony

[tkj24]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

Lets all shed a tear for Tony

Here's for Tony

[PettyBlue]

Originally Posted by tkj24

Here's for Tony

Looks like todays race,lol.

[lilsexy08]

I must admit Tony did cause that with his overaggressive driving but I still love you Tony! Don't worry about it its old news!

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by tkj24

Here's for Tony

I will give more than a shed of a tear for him! LOL! Can't go into detail don't want to go to the trailer, if you all know what I mean!

[kcoruol]

I wonder if the Home Depot Man, (you break it you fix it), Tony Stewart is going to fix Gilliand's car?