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FEATURE STORY

IT'S ON!
After watching Reed and Carmichael at Daytona, it’s hard to imagine someone going any faster, but that’s exactly what Stewart just did in the second practice in Orlando. During the first lap of the second 250 practice, Stewart crashed pretty good in the whoops, but after heading over to the mechanics area to straighten things out he set the fastest time! That used to be RC’s trademark, but now there is another rider in the field who is willing to crash to find that edge.

It’s also hard to imagine RC letting Stewart have it because he just wants to protect the title. Who knows how all of this will affect Reed’s momentum, but he obviously isn’t the type of person to give up. Tonight will have 3-riders who hate losing and two of them aren't afraid to crash.

The last time a powerhouse rider like Stewart was forced to sit out was when Carmichael crashed in San Diego and got footpeg in the hip. When he made his return in Tampa, he was right in the middle of McGrath, Lusk and Windham who were all riding fast. RC led most of the way, but couldn't match their pace for 20 laps and was forced to settle for 4th. Kevin Windham stalked McGrath and won followed by Lusk and Carmichael.

Think Stewart will settle? He just won his 3-lap qualifier by 17 seconds!

Awesome photo by Steve Bruhn

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