7 drivers who could be called on to sub for Tony Stewart
Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday that Tony Stewart will be out indefinitely after suffering a back injury in an off-road vehicle crash on Sunday.
"A timetable for Stewart's return has not been determined, but he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the No. 14 Chevrolet in 2016," SHR said in a statement, adding that an interim replacement for Stewart has not been named.
When Stewart missed time in 2013 and '14, five different drivers filled in for him in at least one race -- Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Regan Smith, Austin Dillon and Max Papis.
Clint Bowyer will take over the No. 14 next year, but with Stewart scheduled to return at some point this year, an early move appears unlikely.
Still, there are plenty of options for SHR out there:
JR Motorsports, the NASCAR XFINITY Series team that like SHR is affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports, has three drivers with Cup experience: Elliott Sadler, Justin Allgaier and Alex Bowman.
Out of respect for @TonyStewart I'm sure they will find a suitable replacement. Any JRM guy would be happy to do it. https://t.co/emxeYDrNIc
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 4, 2016
Ty Dillon, Austin's younger brother, is another Chevrolet driver who could be available.
