Stewart will start Dover race

Stewart has been evaluated by Joe Gibbs Racing's physicians following his two accidents at Lowe's Motor Speedway last weekend and has been passed fit to start at Dover, but is unlikely to do much more than a couple of laps.

Veteran racer Ricky Rudd has been brought out of retirement by Gibbs to practice, qualify and likely serve as a relief driver for Stewart in this weekend's Neighborhood Excellence 400 in the Number 20 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

By starting the race, Stewart will score any drivers' points subsequently earned by Rudd if he takes over. Rudd has won four times at Dover in his career.

Stewart sustained a fracture of his right scapula in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 when a right-front tyre puncture sent him into the wall at Turn 1. In the preceding night's Busch series race, Stewart took a trip to hospital after injuring his right shoulder in a crash 11 laps into the race.

"Tony sustained a non-displaced fracture at the tip of his right scapula," said neurosurgeon Dr Jerry Petty, who has consulted with many NASCAR drivers.  "It is a non-surgical injury that only time and rest can heal."

JD Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, insists the steps have been taken to ensure Stewart is fit for the rest of the season. Team officials are hopeful that he will be fully fit to race in the Pocono 500 the following week.

"Tony's injury is unfortunate, and we are going to do everything we can to get him healed up quickly," Gibbs said. "Tony is as tough as they come, but we aren't going to take any chances on making his situation worse.

"We're very appreciative of Ricky Rudd for being able to drive the No. 20 car at Dover.  He's a proven winner who will allow us to stay in contention for the championship."

As a result of the accident at the weekend, Stewart dropped to fourth in the current points standings.