Daytona notes 96-02-13

TRUE VALUE FIREBIRD IROC XX NOTES FOR FEB. 12

TONY STEWART, who swept the USAC Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown championships in 1995, got to drive an IROC Pontiac Firebird during Tuesday practice, courtesy of IROC President Jay Signore. Stewart ran with Robby Gordon and Steve Kinser for about 15 laps. "These cars are a lot of fun," said a beaming Stewart afterwards. "That's the first time I've run in the draft. In the (NASCAR) Busch (Series) practice, everyone was so worried about qualifying (setups), I couldn't get near anybody. That was really something. I ran up on Robby and Steve and was afraid I'd hit them (from behind), but it was just like they told me. There was a cushion of air and the car in front would move away. I still have to learn how to pass and move around in traffic. "I really have to thank Jay and IROC for letting me drive the car. It was great." Gordon, who will make his IROC debut in Round One of True Value Firebird IROC XX on Friday, said, "He did good. Really good." Stewart will make his Daytona debut in Saturday's Goody's Headache Powder 300.