Watkins Glen, N.Y. ? Tony Stewart knew he was in trouble shortly after the start of the race, but overcame an upset stomach to win Sunday at Watkins Glen International.

“It started about the 15th or 17th lap,” he said. “It got better toward the end, but I still don’t feel well.”

Stewart went back to his hauler as soon as he exited the car after winning the Sirius at the Glen. He was driven back to his motor coach in a golf cart to change his uniform and attempt to recover.

That delayed his celebration in victory lane, marking the third straight week that has happened in NASCAR. Jimmie Johnson was fined $10,000 for violating protocol two weeks ago at Pocono by obscuring the product of a rival sponsor with a placard of his own.

Last week, Jeff Gordon stayed on the track at Indianapolis until the TV coverage ended. He said he was overcome by the emotion of his victory in the Brickyard 400, apologized and was not punished.

Asked if he really went back to his motorhome because he was playing the same game, Stewart, a practical joker, smiled broadly.

“No, I just wanted to go back and brush my hair and look good for you guys,” he said.

The team had road-course ace Boris Said standing by, but released him after the final pit stop.

It was the second win for Stewart in the race, one of two road-course events each year on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit. He has three victories in that discipline.

The 2002 series and Watkins Glen champion also earned his second win of the season and the 19th of his career.

Stewart, who started fourth after qualifying was canceled because of a wet track and the field was set by car-owner points, led 46 of 90 laps on the 11-turn layout. His Chevrolet beat that of road-course standout Ron Fellows by 1.517 seconds.