Stewart Eligible for Chase If He Wins at Richmond

At a press conference on Friday Tony Stewart, announced his return to NASCAR Sprint Cup racing.  Stewart had missed the past three races as a result of his involvement in an on-track incident that claimed the life of fellow racer, Kevin Ward Jr., on August 9th. Stewart took the three-week hiatus "out of respect for the Ward family."  Stewart finished 41st on the Oral-B 400 in at Atlanta 400.

NASCAR President, Mike Helton, stated at the press conference that Stewart would be eligible for the Chase for The Sprint Cup despite not competing in all regular season races.  Under NASCAR rules a driver must compete in all races to retain Chase eligibility. Helton stated, "Due to the circumstances regarding Tony's situation, the governing body agrees he should be eligible for the Chase."

Stewart, who has not won a race this season, and does not have enough points to qualify for the playoffs, will have one more chance to qualify, If he can win the final regular season race next Saturday at Richmond Motor Speedway.