Tony Stewart Will Make 2012 Season Even More Special

The defending Sprint Cup Series Champion is looking to finally get into the winner's circle at Daytona. A win in the 500 would cap off a brilliant career and begin what will be an amazing season of racing. 

It would be hard to top 2011 for Stewart who took home another Cup and did it in the closest finish of the Championship. 

In the end, a tie-breaker put him about Carl Edwards as Smoke had the edge in wins, and I am looking for him to get off on the right foot this weekend with a win at the Daytona 500. 

The one prestigious race that has alluded one of the most decorated drivers of the era. He has the form coming into the race and will no doubt look to make good after missing out of on winning the Budweiser Shootout. 

Stewart says the right things heading into Sunday. The more important thing is of course the Cup wins, and not just one race. 

You can almost hear how much he would like to get this elusive victory on Sunday though. Via The Chicago Tribune. 

"

I wouldn't trade three championships to win Daytona. It's not a good feeling to not have that tally in the win column. Realistically, we haven't won at the Daytona 500, but we have pretty much accomplished in this sport what we've wanted to accomplish.

It's the biggest race of the year; everyone wants to win that race. I won't say that it is not a complete career if you don't win it, but there is a lot of priority on this. Darrell Waltrip and Dale Sr. both had to go a long time before they got it.

"

There is something beyond winning the Daytona 500 that would be a remarkable feat for Stewart, and that's defending his Cup Championship. 

There is no doubting that he earned it, but there would be something just about him taking sole custody of the title without such a close finish. 

He would join amazing company as Jimmie Johnson is the only recent driver to have accomplished the feat. 

It would serve to remind the world that Stewart still belongs at the top as the best in the world. His versatility will help him on Sunday with new rule changes and his expertise should have him in the mix late. 

Crossing that lone first will begin a special season, one that may just trump his championship campaign from last year. 

Follow @gabezal