Tony Stewart More Like A-Rod Than You Knew

That is, at least, the way SPEED channel's Frank Wilson, the VP of Production and Executive Producer for NASCAR programming, likes to see it.

"Our announce team is like the New York Yankees ... we have All-Stars at every position. But when an opportunity comes along to add another All-Star, like the Yankees, we jump at the chance. Having Tony Stewart, and another driver yet to be determined, calling the shots from pits will give our fans a unique perspective that represents what the All-Star race is all about."

Riiiiiiiight.

I just have a feeling that Stewart and Yankee owner George Steinbrenner wouldn't exactly get along. Red Sox fans would be plenty please to see Stewart starting at shortstop for the Yanks, though.

Stewart will be working on the announcing team from pit road during the Nextel Open, and drivers A.J. Allmendinger, Carl Edwards and J.J. Yeley have all confirmed they will work the All-Star race if they don't qualify.

I can imagine Tony will be up to his usual antics with the microphone in his hand -- clowning around with other drivers and taking jabs at Darrell Waltrip.

Tony will be part of SPEED's never-ending coverage this week in advance of the Nextel All-Star Challenge.

It should definitely be a nice week for NASCAR fans to call in sick.