Drag racing team owner Evan Knoll has hired noted clutch specialist John Stewart to serve a multitude of duties for his Knoll Gas & Energy Motorsports teams. His primary focus will be in assisting Mike Kloeber with the Clay Millican-driven entry and is expected to see action with the Scotty Cannon team as well.

 

When Stewart became available recently, Knoll decided that he was the perfect fit for his teams.

 

“I have a lot of respect for the guy,” Knoll, also the owner of Torco Race Fuels said. “I certainly see the level of talent that he brings to the table. That is talent we can definitely use.

 

“John is yet another key addition to the network we are building under the Knoll Gas Motorsports umbrella. He’s going to be a great addition to the program.”

 

Stewart brings a wealth of experience within the fuel ranks both as a driver and a tuner.

 

A member of the Cragar Five-Second Top Fuel Club in the Seventies, Stewart gained his first dragster driving job at the age of 16. He eventually stepped out of the seat where he worked into jobs with such teams as Tim Wilkerson, Jim Epler, Dean Skuza, Joe Amato and most recently Morgan Lucas.

 

Stewart recently worked in Las Vegas with the Carrier Brothers team driven by Cory McClenathan.

 

"I think it is great opportunity for me,” Stewart said. “I think I can add to the overall mix. I look forward to contributing. Mike [Kloeber] and I have known each other for a long time. I think we can qualify well and go rounds. We are gunning for that top eight. I think we can get into the top eight.”

 

Stewart’s first day on the job was last weekend during a private test session with Millican and Kloeber in Memphis.