NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Talladega

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May 1, 2016; Talladega, AL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (left) and Ty Dillon (right) exchange places as driver in a pit stop during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: The Driver Swap

Tony Stewart entered his second race of the season at Talladega. As a part of his agreement to get back on the track early, he was able to start the race but had to let Ty Dillon take over at the first caution.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought that caution out about 50 laps in, signifying the end of Stewart’s time in the car. In a driver swap that took a little over a minute, the No. 14 drove back out on the track on the lead lap, after Stewart had managed to avoid going a lap down shortly before the caution.

Stewart spoke on the matter shortly after making the change (via usatoday.com):

"“It sucks to be honest. I know why we have to do it but it still sucks. If I hadn’t broke my back in January, we wouldn’t have to do it. And thankfully, this is the last time we’ll have to. I really appreciate Ty. He’s been a rock star in all this.”"

Though Dillon still had to deal with everything that went on throughout the day, it was better him and not a recovering Stewart, as the smallest of wrecks could’ve easily messed up his back again.

In the end, Tony Stewart only had to race 53 laps, avoided the major wrecks and still ended up with a sixth-place finish courtesy of Ty Dillon.

Next: Issues Entering Pit Stalls

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