Stewart: new car key to title

Stewart, who is currently sixth in the drivers' standings, has been one of many drivers to voice his dislike for the Car of Tomorrow since its introduction was announced. He claims, however, that it will not work against his chances of succeeding with it.

"I've raced for 27 years and I've won championships in cars I didn't like, so I'm not too worried about having to try to trick myself into embracing something that I'm not very fond of so far," said Stewart.

"If we hit the combination, we can go out there a win a championship with it. If we hit the combination right, we could win 16 races with a new car like that.  I don't think it's anything that's psychological."

Stewart believes that with 16 out of 36 events of the season being Car of Tomorrow races - starting with Bristol next Sunday - the new car spec could hold the key to this year's championship.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what it's going to be all about. I think when we go to Bristol that it'll be interesting to see where everybody stacks up and see who's really done their homework so far this year.

"I think whoever can stumble on the combination and figure out the Car of Tomorrow first, is probably the team that's the leading candidate to win the championship this year."

Stewart has won only once at the Bristol Motor Speedway and is looking forward to try to get another victory at a track he considers to be a special one.

"Any time you can win at Bristol, it's big. Bristol is one of those races every year that I'd like to win. I remember when I won the night race there. I've only won at Bristol once.

"It's just a huge feeling when you can accomplish a win there, let alone with the challenges we have with the Car of Tomorrow."

Stewart was among the top ten in the Car of Tomorrow collective test at Bristol Motorspeedway earlier this month. His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin was fastest.