NASCAR driver and Hoosier native Tony Stewart raced into town Thursday and made a big donation that will help speed up the building of a "Playground for Kids" at Newton Park.

Stewart was the guest of honor at a benefit luncheon and autograph session for the Park, which was built by Hoosier Racing Tire owners Bob and Joyce Newton.

"They are just great people," Stewart said of the Newtons. "I don't think everyone in this area understands the impact they've had on auto racing---especially short track racing."

Stewart handed Bob Newton a check for $10,000 to go towards the building of the playground. The 2002 Sprint Cup champion goes way back with the Newton Family.

"When i was a young, struggling driver, they saw something in me and helped me out when I need some breaks in my career," Stewart explained. "That really helped get me started."

Stewart remains close with the Newtons, even calling Joyce "Mama Newton." The feeling is mutual.

"Tony is like our own son," Joyce says with a big smile. "We've known his since he was a little squirt. What you see is what you get and of course we think he's the best and he is."

Stewart's grown from a driver to an owner and now runs his own team, which includes South Bend's own Ryan Newman. He says the Newtons were a major reason why he's gotten this far.

"No driver makes it to Indy Car racing or Nascar racing by just showing up," Stewart explains. "They had to prove themselves somewhere else and that's where the Newtons and Hoosier Racing Tire have been a huge, huge part of that for me."

It is also a big weekend for the Newtons as they will host the 2nd annual Little Hoosier 100, a quarter midget race for kids. The racing runs on both Saturday and Sunday morning at Newton Park and begins at 9am each day. It is free to the public.

Stewart says the event is huge for kids who one day hope to make it big in racing.

Tony, currently 9th in the 2010 Sprint Cup Standings, will race at Pocono this weekend.