#14 car could run Sprint Unlimited with ineligible driver
 |
| Will someone replace Stewart for the Sprint Unlimited? |
NASCAR has ruled the no. 14 Chevrolet of Stewart-Haas Racing will be eligible for Saturday night's Sprint Unlimited race despite driver Tony Stewart not being in the driver's seat.
Stewart, who was sidelined after injuring his back in an ATV accident, will be replaced by Brian Vickers for both the Sprint Unlimited and Daytona 500 to be run next Sunday.
2/10/16 NASCAR is considering whether to allow Stewart-Haas Racing to enter a replacement of its choosing in the #14 Chevy for Tony Stewart, who is sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his back in an ATV accident last month.
An SHR spokesman said the team continues to prepare a car for the Sprint Unlimited even though its plans for an interim driver (supposedly Brian Vickers for Daytona, Ty Dillon after) haven't been finalized. Eligibility for the Sprint Unlimited, a 70-lap exhibition race, is tied to the driver and open to pole winners, Sprint Unlimited winners, Daytona 500 pole winners and Chase drivers.
As a former Sprint Unlimited winner, Stewart's Unlimited eligibility has been secure for weeks, and SHR has been preparing for the race with a purpose-built car, which is why NASCAR might allow unusual dispensation to stay in the 24-driver field with a driver who technically wasn't qualified or in line for the spot.
One active and eligible driver, David Gilliland, still doesn't have a ride for the exhibition event, but does have a ride for the Daytona 500 in the #35 FRM Ford. NBC Sports
|
| Will someone replace Stewart for the Sprint Unlimited? |
02/11/16 NASCAR is considering whether to allow Stewart-Haas Racing to enter a replacement of its choosing in the #14 Chevy for Tony Stewart, who is sidelined indefinitely after fracturing his back in an ATV accident last month.
An SHR spokesman said the team continues to prepare a car for the Sprint Unlimited even though its plans for an interim driver (supposedly Brian Vickers for Daytona, Ty Dillon after) haven't been finalized. Eligibility for the Sprint Unlimited, a 70-lap exhibition race, is tied to the driver and open to pole winners, Sprint Unlimited winners, Daytona 500 pole winners and Chase drivers.
As a former Sprint Unlimited winner, Stewart's Unlimited eligibility has been secure for weeks, and SHR has been preparing for the race with a purpose-built car, which is why NASCAR might allow unusual dispensation to stay in the 24-driver field with a driver who technically wasn't qualified or in line for the spot.
One active and eligible driver, David Gilliland, still doesn't have a ride for the exhibition event, but does have a ride for the Daytona 500 in the #35 FRM Ford. NBC Sports