President congratulates Stewart on win
President Barack Obama called NASCAR champion Tony Stewart on Wednesday to congratulate him on his recent Sprint Cup triumph.
Stewart took out the championship on Nov. 20 with victory at the Ford 400 at Homestead, Fla., outrunning championship challenger Carl Edwards who finished second.
The two finished in a points tie at the top of the standings, but Stewart won the championship based on the first tiebreaker -- race victories. Stewart had five, while Edwards won only one.
"Earlier today, the president called Tony Stewart to congratulate him and the entire Stewart-Haas Racing team on winning the 2011 Sprint Cup Series Championship and on the incredible season they had," the White House said in a statement Wednesday night.
Stewart pulled off the drive of his life in the season finale, rallying twice from deep in the pack to win by 1.30 seconds.
Stewart
"The president said he was impressed that Mr. Stewart was able to come from the back of the pack to edge out Carl Edwards for the win," the statement added.
"The president commended Mr. Stewart and the other drivers for being such positive role models and great ambassadors for NASCAR, and said that he looks forward to congratulating Mr. Stewart in person at the White House next year."
First lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, served as grand marshals at the Ford 400 to help raise awareness for their "Joining Forces" initiative, which supports military families, and the president said both were grateful for the opportunity.
The call to Stewart came just a day after Obama called Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena to congratulate him and his team on their recent Major League Soccer Cup win.