Twistity Sports Exclusive: STEWART NOT DRIVING

 
Tony Stewart’s season seems to be over. It’s understandable.

It’s also sad.

Stewart hasn’t driven in a race since the Aug. 9 accident in upstate New York that took the life of a fellow driver, Kevin Ward Jr. Ward was struck by Stewart’s car after he left his wrecked Sprint car and walked back onto the track and toward the approaching Stewart.

Stewart announced earlier this week he would not be in the field at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. That will be the fourth race, and the third in the Sprint Cup series, he will have missed. Jeff Burton has instead been driving the Stewart-Haas No. 14 Chevrolet.

Stewart had missed much of last season with a broken leg, so the 2014 campaign was a comeback of sorts for the three-time NASCAR champion.

In the aftermath of Ward’s death, NASCAR instituted tighter rules that prevent drivers from leaving their cars after a wreck unless there is imminent danger. An investigation by police in Canandaigua, New York of Ward’s death continues, though it is not thought likely criminal charges will be brought against Stewart.

As of now, no timetables are clear and racing goes on without Stewart.

Today’s question: Will Tony Stewart race again this season? Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman