Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Tony Stewart sitting out Michigan after dirt-car death

Tony Stewart

Jim Cole / AP

Driver Tony Stewart talks with his crew after practice Saturday, July 12, 2014, for the Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tony Stewart says he will not race Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, skipping a second straight NASCAR Sprint Cup race since striking and killing a driver in a dirt-track race at a small New York track.

Stewart announced the decision Thursday. His plans for the rest of the season have not been determined.

Jeff Burton will drive Stewart's No. 14 Chevrolet in Michigan.

Stewart also sat out Sunday at Watkins Glen, a day after he struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. during a sprint car event in Canandaigua, New York. After Stewart clipped Ward's car, sending it spinning, Ward got out of the car during the caution period, walked down the track and was hit by Stewart.

Ward's funeral was Thursday in Boonville, New York.

Stewart's dirt-racing career is on hold, and he could face criminal charges.

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