First, for his leadership by example when it comes to giving back, exemplified by his actions yesterday as detailed in NASCAR Scene:

Joe Gibbs Racing's Tony Stewart was especially pleased with his fifth-place finish in Sunday's LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway. That was, in part, because Stewart was donating his portion of the race winnings to the American Red Cross in Columbus, Ind., to aid flood victims.

Stewart returned home from Pocono Raceway a week ago to find his home town swamped by the floods, leading him to make the pledge...

"I'm happy we got a top-five for everyone in Columbus, Indiana, and that we can do something to help our community out," he said. "It's been on my mind all weekend. That's what this top-five is for. It feels like a win. As bad as we've been the last couple of weeks, this feels like a win. We've just been frustrated all year.

"But we got a good top-five and raised a lot of money for the people in Columbus, and that's the main thing. … When it's your own community and your own neighbors, it's good to generate a good amount of winnings for our community."

Second, for continuing to be the voice of blessed political incorrectness in NASCAR, as chronicled by David Poole:

Tony Stewart finished fifth Sunday and then indicated he had paid attention during a meeting for drivers and car owners that NASCAR called on Friday.

"Ask Mike Helton. I don't know what we're allowed to say and what we're not," Stewart said.

Helton, NASCAR's president, admonished drivers in Friday's meeting to be more "fan friendly."

"I'm just thankful we're allowed to be here and be a part of this," Stewart said, apparently mirroring what Helton said.

"It's just a privilege for us to be here and, according to Friday, we've all got it a lot better than a lot of us think.

"We're not allowed to have opinions now. We've all got it made here. We've all got it great.

"At least that is what we've all been told."

As has been noted before, Stewart has seldom hesitated to speak his mind, be it pro or con, about anyone or anything connected with NASCAR.  As has also been noted before, there's not exactly a level of state secrecy concerning the brevity of Stewart's remaining time with JGR.  While all parties concerned insist he'll serve the remainder of his sentence... uh, fulfill his contract which runs through 2009, it's impossible to not wonder if it'll be abbreviated so he may go elsewhere and Superduperstar Sir Joey of Logano can be fitted into the #20.

Setting aside for a moment my earlier surmising that Stewart will replace Casey Mears in the #5 next year, a different suggestion comes to mind.  Consider this possibility: Stewart and Home Depot reprising this moment in time:

Yes, that is Smoke in the 2001 Indianapolis 500.

How much of a coup would it be for Tony George to entice Stewart back to open wheel?  There are plenty of advantages for him should he return to the IRL.  He can really stay at home.  A lighter schedule so he can spend more time dirt tracking at Eldora and elsewhere.  A far freer atmosphere in which to work.  George also has something to offer Stewart no one else can: the opportunity to be the first driver in history to win both the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis 500.  Home Depot would be happy at the lower cost of being a primary sponsor.  Win-win, n'est-ce pas?

Yes, I know.  Contract through 2009, Chevrolet wanting him back, etc etc.  The above scenario still makes sense.  Whether it'll happen or not, who knows.  This, however, is known: we should continue to thank God for Tony Stewart.  Literally.