Dillon seeking top 15 finish filling in for Stewart

Austin Dillon (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Austin Dillon says his goal is to finish in the top 15 when he fills in for the injured Tony Stewart at this Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.

Dillon said Tuesday there’s some added pressure stepping in for Stewart, someone he considers a racing idol.

He says Stewart has shown great confidence in him driving the No. 14 Chevrolet.

Dillon says, "Tony texted to say ‘I’m glad I have a good wheel man in my racecar this weekend.’ That’s pretty special to me."

Dillon, the points leader on the Nationwide Series, has run nine career Sprint Cup races. His best finish is 11th earlier this year at Michigan.

Stewart is recovering at home from a broken leg he sustained during an Aug. 5 sprint car wreck.

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