Data proves Stewart is a road ace at Watkins Glen

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Very rarely is there a run-away favorite going into a Sprint Cup Series race.

With competition this tight -- there have been 12 different winners this season -- victory is never a foregone conclusion for any driver.

But somehow, Tony Stewart has become a near statistical lock at Watkins Glen International. His strength in the past four Watkins Glen races is nearly unprecedented. Only one other driver -- at two different tracks -- comes close to owning similar success at a given track. That is three-time defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, at Martinsville and Phoenix.

Below is Stewart's race log at Watkins Glen (past four races):

Below is a list of the top average finishes in the past four races at a specific track.

Stewart can clinch a spot in the Chase this weekend, yet another accolade in his dream first season as an owner/driver. If Stewart leaves Watkins Glen with a 781-point lead on the 13th-place driver, he clinches. He currently has a 726-point lead on 13th-place Kyle Busch.

That goal seems increasingly likely -- especially considering this weekend's track. Stewart owns race-best statistics in practically every key Watkins Glen category since the inception of Loop Data in 2005:

• Loop Data: Season-to-Date Box Score | More Statistics