Stewart to return after fatal incident

TonyStewart

The three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion hit and killed fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr, who walked towards Stewart's car after an incident during a dirt-track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park earlier this month.

Stewart's involvement in this weekend's Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will mark his first appearance in the Sprint Cup since competing at Pocono Raceway on August 3.

In a statement, NASCAR executive vice-president and chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell dispelled doubts about Stewart's mental state, insisting he is ready to get back behind the wheel.

"Tony Stewart has received all necessary clearances required to return to all racing activities, and therefore is eligible to compete this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway," he said.

"NASCAR has remained in constant contact with his race team, and we will stay very close to this situation as Stewart returns to competition."

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