Tony Stewart cuts tire in first Sprint Cup race of 2016 – Nascar

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Tony Stewart had a tire go down in his first race back behind the wheel of his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

On Lap 268 of 400, Stewart and Team Penske driver Joey Logano made contact, cutting the left-rear tire of the No. 14 to bring out the caution.

The three-time premier series champion was running 21st and one lap down at the time of the incident. Logano got the free pass as a result of the caution.

Earlier in the race, Stewart was battling hard with then-race leader and eventual race winner Carl Edwards to stay on the lead lap.

“We got the lap down there,” Stewart said after the race. “I got a lap down and almost drove back by and got my lap back. But Carl (Edwards) was strong. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to hang on long, but I was going to hold on as long as I could and hope we got a caution.”

Stewart would get back on the lead lap thanks to earning the free pass on the Lap 325 caution. “Smoke” would go on to finish in 19th place.

Of his day back behind the wheel Stewart said, “It was fun. I had a good time and I’m looking forward to running the rest of this year with these guys.”

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