Stewart Injured In Off Road Crash

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is hospitalized today with an unspecified back injury sustained Sunday afternoon in what a spokesman termed a “non-racing incident.” 

A statement issued by Stewart Haas Racing said Stewart was transported to an undisclosed local hospital following the Sunday incident and is currently being evaluated. He is awake, alert and able to move all extremities. No further update is expected until Thursday afternoon, when more information is known. 

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said the 44-year old Stewart attended the Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale, Arizona Saturday, then joined a number of friends for an off-roading excursion in the Arizona desert the following day. He was reportedly injured while driving an all-terrain vehicle – believed to be an ATV or off-road “sand buggy” -- a pastime popular with many NASCAR drivers.  

Stewart is preparing for his final season as a Sprint Cup Series driver, having announced his impending retirement late last season. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France commented on the news today, saying, “"We have received word from Stewart-Haas Racing of Tony Stewart’s accident and injury. On behalf of everyone at NASCAR, I wish Tony a full recovery and look forward to seeing him back in our sport when he's ready to return."