Tony Stewart’s return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series did not last a full race. The three-time Sprint Cup Series champion lost a right front tire early in Sunday’s running of the Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway ending his night.
Stewart began the race 12th but quickly worked his way up to fourth following a few three wide passes.
On a lap 122 restart was hit by Kyle Busch sending his car into the wall damaging his right side and suspension. Later Stewart would lose a right front tire on lap 170 sending him behind the wall.
Stewart declined a post race interview request but felt well about the effort his team gave.
“Sorry guys, you deserve better than this,” Stewart radioed his crew as he drove his car behind the wall.
Given a waiver prior to this weekend, Stewart can still make his way into the Chase should he win next weekend at Richmond International Raceway.
