Austin Dillon poses with his crew cheif Danny Stockman Jr. after winning the 2011 Series Championship in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2011. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)

1–Last lap passes for the win: Michael Waltrip, whose spoiler fell off his truck with two laps to go, passes Elliott Sadler in the season opener at Daytona. The win for Waltrip came 10 years after his 1st Daytona 500 win and the day Dale Earnhardt, Sr. was killed. Waltrip was in the No. 16 truck in the honor of that faithful day.

2–Drivers who scored their first career win in 2011: Michael Waltrip at Daytona and Denny Hamlin in Martinsville.

3–Consecutive victories accomplished by two drivers: Kyle Busch with wins at Nashville, Dover, and Charlotte and Kevin Harvick with wins at Pocono, Michigan, and Bristol

4– Drivers who finished in the top 10 in points who are 21 years or younger: Austin Dillion is 21, James Buescher is 21, Joey Coulter is 21, and Cole Whitt is 20.

5– Best place of finish for the rookie of the year, Joey Coulter, which he accomplished five times at Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Martinsville, and Homestead. He also won the Rookie of the Year Award by five points.

6– Drivers who helped Kevin Harvick, Inc.’s No. 2 truck win the 2011 Owners’ Championship: Kevin Harvick, Elliott Sadler, Clint Bowyer, Ron Hornaday, Jr., David Mayhew, and Cale Gale.

12– Drivers who won a race in 2011. Multiple winners: Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday, Austin Dillon, and Johnny Sauter. One time winners: Clint Bowyer, Matt Crafton, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Timothy Peters, Mike Wallace, and Michael Waltrip.

15– Pole winners in 2011, which tied for the most in a season in series history(four other times). Five drivers scored their first career poles: Steve Aprin, James Buescher, Ricky Carmichael, David Mayhew, and Cole Whitt. Buescher scored three poles, second most to Austin Dillon’s five.

29–Points third-place James Buescher finished behind champion Austin Dillon. Buescher failed to qualify for the second race of the season, at Phoenix.  Buescher led all drivers with 19 top-10s and only twice finished outside the top 20 and only one worse than 29th.

Tony Stewart snubbing fans at AMS. Taken by Jackie Montedonico

No athlete has ever made it to the top without the help of his fans. Tony Stewart is no exception.

Unfortunately, he’s forgotten that.

Most NASCAR drivers will take the time out of their hectic schedule to pose for pictures and sign autographs for fans. While it may not be a huge deal for the drivers, as a fan, the fact that those guys are willing to take the time for you can really make you feel good. Guys like Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, and Clint Bowyer are more than willing to spend a moment or two with the fans of the sport.

Sadly, one of NASCAR’s biggest stars doesn’t do that. 2-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart has calmed down in the public eye, but when the cameras are turned off, it’s the same ol’ Tony.

I have had the chance to see Tony in person twice, and both times, he snubbed both myself and the small crowd of die-hard fans around me. When I say small, I mean about 10 or 15 people who aren’t being pushy, but are simply asking nicely if Tony will take just 2 minutes out of his schedule to pose for a picture or sign an autograph.

Such a small gesture could make someone’s life complete. Believe me, I know. But it’s just not worth Tony’s time.

I’ve heard other stories like mine. Several fans have had trouble getting Tony to take any time with them. I’ve even heard many horror stories about how Tony has cussed at children before, telling them to “Eff off” when they ask politely for his autograph.

I know he’s a champion in a major sport, but that does not give him the right to be like that. Darrell Waltrip is a three-time champion, and he’s the most awesome guy you could ever meet. Ricky Carmichael has won several AMA Supercross championships, and he’s as affable as the next guy. Indianapolis 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. is awesome, and Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman is more than happy to take the time to please a few fans.

But Tony Stewart? Uh-uh.

It’s sad, really. I’d like to be able to cheer for Stewart. He seems like a decent guy on camera. But when the cameras are turned off, the fans are like dirt to him. Unfortunately, guys like Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray, believe it or not, are of the same mindset, just not to that extent. God created all men to be equal. But sadly, Tony Stewart doesn’t see things that way.

Tony Stewart should be nicer to his fans.