INDIANAPOLIS 500 DAILY REPORT : Stock Car Takes a Back Seat for Stewart

Pole-sitter Tony Stewart was scheduled to drive in a Busch Grand National stock car race Saturday in Charlotte, N.C., then fly back to Indianapolis for the 500, but after circumstances led to his being on the pole in Sunday’s race, he asked to have his stock car withdrawn.

Rainier-Walsh Racing, for whom Stewart is under contract in NASCAR, agreed with his decision. Team owner Harry Rainier said, “It would be unfair to ask him to focus his attention on a different series.”

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When Danny Ongais was named to drive the car the late Scott Brayton qualified on the pole, it cost Johnny Parsons Jr. $5,000. That is the prize Pinkerton Security gives to the oldest 500 starter. Ongais is 54, Parsons 51.

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Ongais had driven car No. 10 in his 10 previous Indianapolis 500 starts, the most consecutive times a driver has used the same number starting with his rookie year.

He will be in No. 32 on Sunday.

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Billy Boat, the first alternate in the 500, was released from Methodist Hospital. He had been held for observation after crashing last Sunday while preparing for a qualification attempt. He was not immediately cleared to drive, however.

The midget-driving champion from Phoenix suffered a slight separation of his left shoulder, plus bruises on his back and legs. Boat, who had qualified earlier at 221.824 mph, was bumped from the starting field by Joe Gosek.

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Dan Drinan, who had hip surgery Sunday after hitting the first turn wall while practicing Saturday, is expected to remain in Methodist Hospital for three or four more days. Doctors said he was “continuing to improve” and remained in “good” condition.

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Andre Ribeiro of Brazil set the rookie qualifying record last year at 226.495 mph, but this year it was bettered by seven newcomers: Stewart, 233.100; Michel Jourdain Jr., 229.380; Buzz Calkins, 229.013; Davey Hamilton, 228.887; Michele Alboreto, 228.229; Mark Dismore, 227.260; and Richie Hearn, 226.521.

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In 1921, a race tire cost about $40. This year, a Goodyear Eagle for the front costs $303, for the rear, $425.