Tony Stewart Hits Wall, Retires Early In NASCAR Return

Controversial racer Tony Stewart ended his return to the raceway early as he hit the wall for the second time and blew out his right front tire at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The returning driver had no choice but to drive his ruined vehicle to the garage and end his night early. He did not spoke to reporters on his way out. He first hit the wall during Sunday's night race after a brush with Kyle Busch. The damage needed some attention from his crew but the vehicle was still able to run in the next laps. Not until the 172^nd lap, when he blew his right front tire stemming from his next collision did he decide to retire for the day.

The head of his crew Chad Johnston relayed that the team was disappointed in the result but is now concentrating on the next race at Richmond, Virginia.

"I wish we could have had a better effort and a better finish for him," Johnston said per ESPN. "We'll go on to Richmond and hope we can do better there."

The embattled racer is returning after a collision in upstate New York that claimed the life of fellow racer Kevin Ward, Jr. This is the first time that Stewart has stepped on the racetracks in an effort to qualify for the Sprint Chase. He needs to win at either Atlanta or Virginia to qualify for the spot at the Chase. He has already passed on competing for three NASCAR Sprint Cup races claiming to be recovering from the effects of the collision that caused Ward's death.

No decision from police officials have been released on whether Stewart will be formally dealt charges. He, however, returned to a big cheer from the crowd when he was introduced before the race began. Starting in the 12 pole position, Stewart entered the top ten early and even reached as high as fourth. The first crash sent him to as low as the 21^st spot and the second one forced him to withdraw altogether.