Some NASCAR racers, fans 'on the fence' about Tony Stewart's Chase waiver [w/poll]

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing



Tony Stewart made his return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup over the weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. However, the race probably wasn't as triumphant as he had hoped. Stewart started in a strong 12th place but eventually had to retire midway through the event. It gives him just one last chance to make it into the Chase for the Sprint Cup and compete for a chance to win his fourth series championship. To do it, he would need to win the upcoming race at Richmond International Raceway. Although, some people are questioning whether that's fair.

To make it into the Chase, a NASCAR driver either has to win during the regular season or make it in based on points among the non-winners. However, a further caveat stipulates that competitors have to try to qualify for all of the races to be eligible. Following the fatal accident on August 9, Stewart missed qualifying for two events. However, NASCAR officials granted him a medical waiver that potentially got him into the Chase, if he won in Atlanta or Virginia.

NASCAR's rules over granting one of these waivers are somewhat unclear. According to Autoweek, a driver has to be suffering from a "pretty severe condition." It's up to the sport to determine what this means, and official's hired third-party experts to evaluate Stewart. However, some people have questioned whether Stewart's mental anguish really met this level.

There doesn't appear to be much consensus among drivers. "I think the whole intent of eligibility for the Chase is so somebody doesn't just go take a vacation after winning a few races. That's the way I look at it," said driver Jeff Gordon to Autoweek.

However, other drivers are somewhat less sure. "The only real feeling I have is that there should be more information available than what there is," said Brad Keselowski to Autoweek. He feels as though there aren't enough facts out there to form a reasoned opinion about the waiver.

So do you think Stewart deserved the medical waiver that could potentially put him into the Chase? Let us know in the poll below.

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Some NASCAR racers, fans 'on the fence' about Tony Stewart's Chase waiver [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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