Gibbs says Stewart has strength, courage to return: Joe Gibbs believes #14-Tony Stewart has the strength to return to racing at some point following the Aug. 9 incident which left sprint car driver Kevin Ward Jr. dead. Gibbs, who employed Stewart at Joe Gibbs Racing from 1999-2008, said he has not spoken to Stewart since the incident but thinks the driver will be able to come back and race again. Stewart has missed the past two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and also has canceled his non-NASCAR racing appearances until further notice. He has not said whether he will drive this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. "From what I saw with Tony, he's got great courage, he's smart, he loves this sport," Gibbs said Tuesday. "He's totally focused on it." Gibbs said he was told by Stewart's representatives the driver is taking some time for himself right now, so he has been hesitant to reach out. But the driver has been in his prayers, Gibbs said. "We all love Tony, we love what he did for us here," he said. "We know he's a racer's racer and he's big for our sport. I would love to have a chance to speak with him at some point and encourage him."(USA Today)(8-20-2014)
