Racer was driving in a dirt-track race when he hit a competitor who was walking . The driver of the car that struck him then drove away and left his victim to die. `` This has been one of the toughest tragedies I 've ever had to deal with , '' Stewart says . Returning to NASCAR racing this weekend , he says , will help him cope . NASCAR will allow Stewart to stay in championship chase .
Racer was driving in a dirt-track race when he hit a competitor who was walking . The driver of the car that struck him then drove away and left his victim to die. `` This has been one of the toughest tragedies I 've ever had to deal with , '' Stewart says . NASCAR will allow Stewart to stay in championship chase .