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Speedweeks 2014: Friday

Two days down at the World Centre of Racing, and everyone is ready for some racing.

Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet

Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet

Covy Moore

Tony Stewart.

That was the theme at the Daytona International Speedway on Friday.

He made is long awaited return to his Sprint Cup car for Sprint Unlimited practice. With the shouts from the fanzone, or the media presence following his every move are any indiction, the racing world is happy to have him back.

While he is a good natured fellow, he won't hold his punches if the media is a little pushy as we all found out at the media day when he was repeatedly asked about the Petty comments on his driver Danica Patrick.

Either way, he was full of smiles despite the dozens of photographers and videographers waiting for him in his garage stall. I know as I waited for Smoke to show up, I was a little nervous.

Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Covy Moore

The day was pretty standard, ARCA cars ran qualifying, the Sprint Cup cars practiced into the night.

One thing I am incredibly surprised about is the lack of practice these guys actually do. I suppose in all my iRacing experience, I know that being behind another car at 199 miles per hour is pretty scary on a computer, but in real life….I can only imagine.

Stewart-Haas Racing cars of Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet and Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Stewart-Haas Racing cars of Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet and Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: Covy Moore

All in all, it was nice to see the cars back on track again. This is my first NASCAR event. I have covered tons of open wheel racing, short track racing, motorcycle racing and rally but this is my first big time stock car event. And with that, the first time you see the pack of cars tear by your shooting position is purely electric.

If you think it looks spectacular on TV, come to Speedweeks and see it for yourself.

Tomorrow is the first of five race days during Speedweeks 2014. I am pumped. Technically, there is no clapping in the press box, but I have to say I am rooting for the Stewart-Haas contingent.

Who are you pulling for?

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