Wunnerful, Wunnerful: Racer Tony Stewart Won't Say No to Lawrence Welk on Race Day

• Tony Stewart says he uses different methods to encourage each of his NASCAR Cup drivers.

• His NHRA drag-racing drivers have wildly different approaches in the moments before they make their runs down the dragstrip.

• He says he’s excited enough to get in the car and prefers calmer environment.

The ways race-car drivers prepare for on-track performance is about as varied as methods of decorating a Christmas tree. Just ask Tony Stewart.

“I have four [NASCAR] Cup drivers. And before the race, I say something different to each of those four drivers, because I know what button to push that’s going to get 100 percent out of them,” the multi-series team owner said.

But his drag-racing duo of wife Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan definitely have him shifting gears.

“Leah, her demeanor in the tow vehicle versus Matt are polar opposites from each other,” Stewart said.