Tony Stewart may have to grimmace a little bit this weekend at Pocono. Credit: Autostock

Stewart plans to run every lap at Pocono

Team does not have relief driver lined up for Sunday's race

Tony Stewart said Wednesday that he's feeling better and he plans to run all practice, qualifying and race laps this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

"I plan to make it through the whole weekend," Stewart said. "Every day my muscles feel like they're getting stronger, and I don't think it's a bone issue as much as it's a muscle issue."

	Tony Stewart is assisted to the ambulance. Credit: AP
	Bad monthTony Stewart is pulled out of his car after hitting the wall hard NASCAR TodayTony Stewart gets evaluated after a double-whammy weekend Sign up for TrackPass now BUY THE NEXTEL i836 HEADLINES •   Stewart crashes for second consecutive day at Lowe's •   Stewart injured in Busch Series accident at Lowe's

Stewart also believes a new piece of equipment within the No. 20 Chevrolet will make things easier, as well.

"I got fitted for a new ButlerBuilt seat and we'll have it in the car for this weekend. We think it's a better design -- a newer version of what I had been running. The back of the seat is a little wider, up where my shoulders are. It's about an inch wider, total. It was time to put something new in there.

"I fully believe that with the new seat and another week of rest that we'll be ready to go."

What also will help Stewart's cause is that Pocono Raceway, with its long straightaways, is a much more comfortable racing experience for a driver than the high-banked concrete oval that is Dover International Speedway.

"You spend approximately two-thirds of your lap at Dover in the corners, where at Pocono you spend about 70 percent of your time on the straightaways," Stewart said. "It's got a lot of straightaways and three very short corners, so turning the wheel doesn't take long.

"The three corners are pretty unique and the tunnel turn was pretty bumpy the last time we were there. Hopefully, that won't hurt too much, but even if it does, it'll still be a lot easier than having to race at Dover for 400 laps."

So much easier that the No. 20 team does not plan to bring a relief driver to Pocono this weekend -- at least, not yet.

"We'll make that decision closer to the end of the week," he said. "But I really don't anticipate needing a relief driver. I appreciate what Ricky [Rudd] did for us last week at Dover, but he's on vacation with his family this week and I want him to enjoy his vacation.

"I'm confident that by the end of the week I'll be strong enough to go do the whole race at Pocono by myself."

Stewart suffered a broken right scapula in an accident during the Coca-Cola 600 two weeks ago at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Historically, Stewart has done very well at Pocono. He has eight top-10 finishes in his past 10 starts there, including a win in the 2003 Pocono 500.