Stewart to miss Michigan race; Burton to drive No. 14

Tony Stewart has decided not to race at Michigan.
Credit: Charlotte Bray for Skirts and Scuffs

Tony Stewart will miss another Sprint Cup race in the wake of Saturday’s tragedy at Canandaigua Motorsports Park.

The three-time Sprint Cup champion decided to sit out Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday.

Jeff Burton will fill in for Stewart in the No. 14 Chevrolet.

According to the team release, the driver change applies only to Michigan. Stewart’s plans for upcoming Sprint Cup races have yet to be determined.

Earlier this week, Stewart canceled plans to compete in a sprint car race at Plymouth Speedway in Indiana.

Stewart decided not to compete in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen one day after the sprint car Stewart was driving at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York hit and killed racer Kevin Ward Jr., 20. Regan Smith replaced Stewart in the No. 14 at the last minute.

Ward’s funeral was held Thursday near his hometown of Port Leyden in upstate New York.

The Ontario County Office of Sheriff said Tuesday the investigation into Ward’s death is ongoing and is expected to continue for at least two more weeks.

Burton, Stewart-Haas Racing Executive Vice President Brett Frood and Vice President of Competition Greg Zipadelli will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Friday at Michigan International Speedway.