Tony Stewart to return to racing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Stewart-Haas Racing announced on Thursday that Tony Stewart will be back behind the wheel of the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. It marks Stewart’s first Sprint Cup Series race since the incident earlier this month involving Kevin Ward Jr.

During a sprint car event on August 9th at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park, Ward Jr. was spun out by Stewart. He then got out of his car to display his displeasure, when Stewart’s car would make contact with Ward, sending him sliding across the track. Ward Jr. would be transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Regan Smith drove in place at Watkin’s Glen, with Jeff Burton filling the seat for Michigan International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Stewart-Haas Racing Executive Vice President Brett Frood addressed the media at Michigan, stating that Stewart is dealing with a lot of emotions, which kept him out of the seat.

“It’s been an emotional week for him,” he said. “He’s grieving.  Anytime someone is lost, especially at a racetrack, it’s tragic.  It was a tragic accident, and he’s dealing with quite a bit of grief.” Frood added that Stewart was “surrounded right now by his closest friends and family” in the weeks that followed.

Both Stewart and Frood will address the media at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday at 1 p.m. EST. OnPitRoad.com will have coverage of the presser following.

NASCAR released a statement saying, “Tony Stewart has received all necessary clearances required to return to all racing activities, and therefore is eligible to compete this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. NASCAR has remained in constant contact with his race team, and we will stay very close to this situation as Stewart returns to competition.” NASCAR also added that President Mike Helton will address the media t 2 p.m. EST. Once again, OnPitRoad.com will have coverage of the presser following.