[Sandy Lowe]

The Midwest TQ Racing League would like to welcome back Tony Stewart as the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Rookie of the Year Award.

Stewart began his open wheel career in 1989 driving a three-quarter midget for Roy Barker. At just 18 years of age he quickly adapted to the TQ’s taking his first win in the Barker #81 on July 14th at the Rush County Fair in Rushville, Ind. The following evening, also at Rushville, he placed a close second to veteran driver Ronnie Ambrose. Just three nights later Tony bested California driver Gary Howard at the Jefferson County Fair in Madison, Ind. earning his second feature win in only his fifth start!

Stewart’s success in three-quarter midgets led to opportunities and championships in sprint cars, silver crown and midgets with the United States Auto Club. He then parlayed his USAC achievements to the Indy Racing League where he won the 1996-1997 IRL Championship. Stewart then turned his attention to NASCAR, where after his 2011 championship season, he is now one of only nine drivers to win three or more NASCAR Sprint Cup titles.

Although Stewart has experienced the highest of highs in professional motorsports he has never forgotten the grassroots racing where his career began. This will be the third season that Stewart has been the presenting sponsor of the Rookie of the Year Award and the MTQRL would like to thank him for his continued support.

The 2012 expanded list of MTQRL sponsors now includes:

• Duane & Sonja Alexander Hard Luck Driver
  
• Indy Race Parts Hard Charger
  
• Jackson Oil & Solvents Duel for Fuel
  
• Lynch Motorsports
  
• Pace Performance Coatings
  
• Perfect North Slopes Heat Races
  
• Tony Stewart Rookie of the Year

www.mtqrl.com