Stewart to run Busch Series race with RCR.

Tony Stewart has agreed to drive the #29 Employer Support of Guard and Reserve [ESGR] Chevrolet Monte Carlo for Richard Childress Racing in Saturday's 1-800-PIT-SHOP.com 300 Busch Series race at California Speedway.

Stewart, a 17-time race winner in NASCAR Cup competition, has yet to see Busch Series action at the two-mile Fontana track, with this weekend's event marking his first Busch Series start of 2004. A pair of fourth place finishes mark his best efforts in five Busch races at Fontana.

"It's an honour to drive the ESGR car for Richard Childress Racing," commented Stewart, who will wheel a third RCR entry this weekend, "With all that's going on in the world today, from homeland security to the war in Iraq, our National Guardsmen and Reservists are playing an important role in defending our country. And, thanks to their employers and the support of the ESGR, they're able to serve their country while knowing that their families are being cared for and that job is secure. I'm very proud to be associated with the ESGR."

Stewart's most recent Busch Series start came last August at Michigan International Speedway, when he drove the #8 Chevrolet for the Chance 2 Motorsports team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The 2002 Winston Cup champion led twice for 85 laps and had his first Busch Series win in sight before his pit strategy was ruined by rain. After making his final pit-stop under green on lap 100, rain began to fall, stopping the race 15 laps short of its scheduled 125-lap distance and leaving Stewart eleventh in the final rundown.