By Jenna Fryer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ Tony Stewart proved he knows his way around every inch of Daytona International Speedway by winning the International Race of Champions event on the road course Thursday night.
Stewart, who has seven career victories on the superspeedway, started 11th but wasted no time working his way through the 12-car field. He was third after the first full lap, and took the lead on the fourth lap.
``The guys told us to watch out for the first corner because of cold brakes,'' he said. ``So we just lifted early and everybody starting wrecking. We were fourth, and then got up to third, and just kind of worked our way forward after that.''
It put him out front and away from all the spins behind him from drivers not accustomed to road courses. This was the first road course race for the IROC Series since Rusty Wallace won at Watkins Glen in 1991.
Stewart had several challenges from open-wheel racer Max Papis, who was the only driver who could keep up with him. But Papis never mounted a serious passing attempt, allowing Stewart to win his fourth career IROC race _ second this year _ and move him on top of the points standings.
``It's awesome, it was just an awesome day,'' Stewart said. ``I got five laps of practice, and I guess that was enough.''
Papis was second and said he never had a clear shot at Stewart.
``I tried really hard, but I don't think I had the speed to beat Tony Stewart,'' Papis said. ``Overall, I am pretty proud because to finish second to a two-time NASCAR champion is not bad.''
Ryan Newman was third and Indy Racing League drivers Scott Sharp and Sam Hornish Jr. rounded out the top five.
Martin Truex Jr. was sixth and was followed by Max Angelelli, who was competing just 30 minutes after he teamed with Wayne Taylor to place fourth in the Grand Am race.
Frank Kimmel was eighth and was followed by Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth, who came into the race as the points leader, but had an early spin and finished 10th.
Steve Kinser and Ted Musgrave completed the field.
Stewart now holds a 15-point lead over Kenseth, and Papis and Newman are tied for third.
``Decent day for us, I don't know where we stand in the points, but I think we're one of four cars that probably has a shot for the championship,'' Newman said.
The fourth and final race of the IROC series will be run at Atlanta Motor Speedway in October. The overall champion earns a $1 million US payout from Crown Royal, the series title sponsor.
