Monday, August 25, 2014

Spokesman Denies Rumors Of Stewart's Return

A spokesman for Tony Stewart is denying reports that the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will test a car this week, and could return to competition Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart has not raced since the Aug. 9 Sprint Car incident that claimed the life of driver Kevin Ward, Jr. at New York’s Canandaigua Motorsports Park. Multiple sources say he is slated to test a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry either today or tomorrow at an undisclosed location, with a possible return to competition in time for Sunday afternoon’s Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta. 

Longtime Stewart spokesman Mike Arning denied those reports today, saying, "Stewart Haas Racing is testing at Chicagoland Speedway today and tomorrow with the No. 10 and No. 41 teams, but the No. 14 car and Tony Stewart are not a part of that test." 

Asked if Stewart will test elsewhere this week, Arning said, "Absolutely not. Tony and the No. 14 car are not testing anywhere."

The Ontario County (NY) Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ward’s death, and a rough timeline offered by Sheriff Philip C. Povero immediately following the incident indicated that the investigation could wrap-up sometime this week. Officer Nathaniel Ross, the department’s Senior Communications Officer told FOXSports.com’s Tom Jensen today that the investigation is "finishing up," but gave no definitive timeline for completion.

Regan Smith and Jeff Burton have replaced Stewart in the last three races at Watkins Glen International, Michigan International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway, dropping the former series champion to 26th place in the championship standings. Even if he were able to return and win one of the final regular-season races at Atlanta or Richmond International Raceway, Stewart would need a special exemption from NASCAR to compete in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
 
NASCAR has not commented on whether such an exemption would be offered.
 

8 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:12 PM

    This is ridiculous... it's time to treat this investigation like a Christmas gift and wrap it up!!!! Did these 'investigators' not look at the video yet?? My Lord, it's clear as day that Tony DID NOTHING WRONG! It's time to end this nonsense!!!!

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  2. Anonymous3:18 PM

    #4 car is testing there as well according to Kevin Harvick's Twitter feed.

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  3. It's clear Stewart is in hiding and has no plans to surface until the investigation is complete. It's sad that he hasn't talked to the media yet and has chosen to be "Lawyered Up" The media has chosen to push the "He is Grieving" narrative on sports talk radio, TV, and Social Media but have absolutely NO CLUE if he is grieving or not. It's a shame how many people push a one sided narrative to further a cause when, in fact, they know nothing at all. The bottom line is Stewart killed Ward Jr. I have lost almost all respect for the NASCAR Media and as a Tony Stewart fan for more than 15 years if have lost respect for him by the way he has handled this.

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    1. Anonymous5:19 PM

      Wes, everyone handles their situations differently. Maybe Smoke is "in hiding" because it is such a messed up situation, that he really doesn't want to talk yet. Any attorney worth their salt will advise their client, in a situation like this, to NOT talk to anyone. The reason is because even if there are no criminal charges against him at this time, anything he says could be used against him in a civil suit.

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    2. MrPandy7:23 PM

      So he should have jumped right back in a car and continued to race? I do see your conviction of Stewart without the luxury of a trial, but I don't see your suggestion as to what he SHOULD have done. You, a Tony Stewart fan for 15 years? No, not so much.

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    3. Mike Popham9:07 AM

      Wes its comments like yours is why its best for Stewart to stay quiet.

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  4. Manitoba_Jay9:25 PM

    although completely different situations I know people who have killed someone in a car accident and while 100% not their fault haven't really gotten over it years later. if tony comes out and is remorseful he looks guilty and if he says it wasn't his fault and is goin back racing he looks cold. I am thankful that a hand full of nascar media have reported the tragity with professionalism and knowledge. what bothers me most is that people actually think a professional driver would intentionally run down a fellow driver. Thanks for your coverage Dave

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  5. Bob Slayton, Sr.11:59 PM

    Thanks Dave, keep us up to date the correct way! Prayers and patients!!

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