Stenhouse success ignited by Iowa Speedway performances

JOHNSTON - When thinking of auto racing in Iowa, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. thought of Knoxville Raceway and dirt track racing.

Those are likely secondary memories after sweeping both NASCAR Nationwide Series races at Iowa Speedway for his first two Series victories. It also propelled him to the 2011 Nationwide Series points championship.

Stenhouse returns and will attempt to continue the good memories Sunday at the Nationwide Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 at the .875-mile track in Newton, beginning at 1 p.m. The weekend opens Saturday with all practice and qualifying followed by the NASCAR K&N Pro Series event at 7 p.m.

Iowa Speedway is where everything fell into place for Stenhouse and his Roush Fenway Racing team.

"It's tough to put a whole race together," Stenhouse said. "This was obviously the first place that we were able to do that. We've been fast at other places and just weren't able to win and put it all together. I think doing it that first time gave use the confidence coming back that we can do it again."

Stenhouse, whose first pole win came at Iowa Speedway, has learned how to handle the track from behind the wheel. He knows what he needs to excel and how to manipulate things, controlling his throttle, brake and steering.

"There's all kinds of tricks to every race track," Stenhouse said. "I just found something that worked for us here."

A year of experience has produced a better car, team and even a better driver. All will be key for him to extend his success in Newton. He knows it will be a tough task.

"I think we've learned a lot since we've been back here," Stenhouse said. "I think all that is going to play into it. I know everyone that was there last year and that is coming has learned just as much. We just have to keep making our stuff better."

Winning the U.S. Cellular 250 last August provided memories for NASCAR fans. Stenhouse and teammate Carl Edwards produced one of the most unforgettable finishes during that night race. The two battled during the race then Stenhouse blew his motor on the final turns. As smoke billowed from his decelerating car, Edwards said he couldn't avoid slamming into the back of Stenhouse and pushing him across the finish line.

Fans mention it regularly and Stenhouse is often asked to sign pictures captured of the wreck. He admits it was "not profitable" for owner Jack Roush, but was a great ending.

"It was one of those races I don't think you could write a script for a finish like that," Stenhouse said. "It was pretty cool to be a part of it."

Stenhouse arrives at Iowa Speedway with as many wins in nine starts as he had all of last season. He has eight top-10 finishes, including six in the top-five. Stenhosue sits atop the Nationwide points standings, entering with a 23-point lead over Elliott Sadler.

“He's a smart racer,” 2004 Sprint Cup champion Kurt Busch said about Stenhouse. “He's been a great student, learning from guys like Carl Edwards and the other veterans of Roush Racing.

“He's back again and in championship form. He's going to be tough to beat. Overall, he's done a great job of being a good student of the game.”

His progression has carried over, starting a season at a level where the previous one ended. Stenhouse opened with seven starts in 2009 to 32 in 2010 before his championship season. He has steadily improved each season, gained consistency and is at the top of his game.

"I think it's just more seat time," Stenhouse said. "Just getting more comfortable in these cars."

Stenhouse has two Sprint Cup starts, placing 11th last season in the Coca-Cola 600 and 20th in his only start this season. The Nationwide champion remains patient before getting a full-time ride on the highest level of stock car racing. He is content with his owners' plans, and said more Cup starts may come soon.

"I wasn't worried if I didn't get to Cup I was going to be left behind," Stenhouse said. "Jack has been patient with me and has been supportive.

"I thought there was a lot I could learn in Nationwide. I would like to get a few more wins and defend another championship and represent the series as well as I can after being a champion instead of just moving on."