ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (12:55 PM)

We've got Tony!

Patrick Stevens Franklin, IN

On dirt, what's the biggest challenge you have going into the corner racing side by side next to someone?

Tony Stewart

  (1:00 PM)

Just knowing how much grip you have on the track and having the confidence in your car.

Crystal from Oklahoma

Do you expect the "Prelude to the Dream" to get bigger and more exciting each year?

Tony Stewart

  (1:01 PM)

I like how it's getting bigger each year. The number of the drivers getting involved each year is growing. It's an even that makes me proud.

Leigh Ann (Atlanta)

Who do you think your biggest competition will be tonight?

Tony Stewart

  (1:01 PM)

Oh Lord. There are 10 guys that are actual dirt drivers. Kenseth, Bowyer, Kahne, Newman - there are guys that have a lot of experience. It's up for grabs.

Jeff, McLeansboro, IL

Tony:Good luck with the Prelude to the Dream this evening. Can you talk a bit about your desire to see the Nextel Cup Series race at a dirt track as a point paying event? If they have a problem with Eldora ( they shouldn't ), have them come to the 1 mile dirt track near me in DuQuion.

Tony Stewart

  (1:02 PM)

Absolutely, I would like that. I've wanted that from day one. The hardest thing is there is not a factility that could handle that. There are tracks that could handle the number of cars, but the facilities couldn't handle a Nextel event.

Charlotte, NC

If you had chosen another career other than racing, what would it have been?

Tony Stewart

  (1:03 PM)

I don't even really know. I've never thought about not being involved in racing. For 28 years of my life I've been involved in racing.

Charlie McKenzie, Liberty, SC

Hey Tony, which would you rather accomplish before you retire: (1) Win the Daytona 500? or (2) Win a dirt track race in the cup series?

Tony Stewart

  (1:04 PM)

I'd say still the Daytona 500 because it's so prestigious. It would be neat to win a dirt race, but it's more fantasy than reality.

Jeff (Ship, PA)

What do you think of teammate Denny Hamlin?

Tony Stewart

  (1:04 PM)

I think we're pretty well rounded as an organization. Denny is a good teammate. He has a lot of maturity as a second year driver.

John in Ashland, KY

This is the first Prelude that I have missed, even sat in the rain last year for the rainout. I plan to be watching on the net, and Pay per view. My question is, does a portion of the pay per view go to the Victory Junction Gang camp too?

Tony Stewart

  (1:05 PM)

The majority of the proceeds will go to the camp. I'm not sure the exact number. I got involved with the camp because of Kyle Petty. There are a lot of charities to choose from but when the camp came along, it was easy to get involved with it.

Dave , Freeport Illinois

How big are the bragging rights for winning tonights race? Good luck

Tony Stewart

  (1:06 PM)

I don't know, we've all been talking about it for so long that it will be huge.

Mike(Charlotte)

Who would you compare yourself to from past drivers? Denny?

Tony Stewart

  (1:07 PM)

I don't know. I think people have compared me to AJ Foyt and Dale Earnhardt. I don't know if I would compare myself to them, but there have been a lot of comments about that.

Norm (Harwich, MA)

How would you like to have the Number 8 join you as a teammate? Rumor has it that it could happen but will Bud and the Home Depot mix well together?Thanks.

Tony Stewart

  (1:07 PM)

I think he would be a perfect fit. We're friends. Both him and me and Denny are all friends. It would be a natural fit.

Mike, Indianapolis

Is 20 your favorite number, or was the the best one available?

Tony Stewart

  (1:08 PM)

That's my favorite number. But the car owner picks the number.

Mike(Charlotte)

Since Joe went back into coaching how much is he involved?

Tony Stewart

  (1:08 PM)

He hasn't been as involved, obviously. It's a situation where he has to be a professional as a coach. He has to dedicate his time to that. But when his season's over, he's always helping us out.

Anthony Wilhoit Lafollette TN.

Tony,What type of chassis will you be running tonight and who builds the motors for you?

Tony Stewart

  (1:09 PM)

The car I'm running is a rocket chassi. There are a lot of manufacturors supplying cars tonight.

Josh (Oklahoma City)

Tony, I am 16 and your my favorite driver. What is your most memorable race?

Tony Stewart

  (1:10 PM)

Brickyard 400, no doubt about it. It's my most memorable race for sure.

Meredith (Crandall, Texas)

If the race is a success, will the 4th Prelude to the Dream be broadcast next year? Any plans to do this at Paducah or Macon?

Tony Stewart

  (1:10 PM)

Let's just get through tonight first and then we'll worry about next year!

William (Loganville, GA)

How can someone like myself get into professional auto racing at age 30?

Tony Stewart

  (1:11 PM)

Start in go-karts. That's the best in my opinion. You can run dirt, pavement, everything.

Sutton (Reading Pa)

With the COT going full time next year do you expect less cup drivers to drive in the busch series?

Tony Stewart

  (1:11 PM)

I'm excited. I think it's the right thing to do for NASCAR, because it will save all the teams. It will save all the teams a lot of money as well.

Tony Stewart

  (1:12 PM)

I wish I could stay longer, but I have a bunch of more interviews to do today. I hope everyone watches the race on PPV that can't be here to see it in person.