Tony Stewart surprised everyone Thursday morning with the announcement he would make his return from injury this weekend at Richmond International Raceway.
Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 will be his debut in his final Sprint Cup season before retiring. Richmond is the track where Stewart earned his first Sprint Cup win in 1999.
Stewart missed the first eight races of the season after fracturing his back in an all-terrain accident at the end of January.
Here’s a look at how the news was received on social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEd7sPqGP2P/
Welcome back Smoke. Looking forward to racing with you @TonyStewart
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) April 21, 2016
Wow!!! @TonyStewart just broke Twitter! Glad to have you back racing! Wasn't the same watching without ya. 🏁
— Justin Allgaier (@J_Allgaier) April 21, 2016
Just awesome to see the news @TonyStewart is back this weekend! Smoke!!!!
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) April 21, 2016
Thank you lug nuts, you're excused as story line of the weekend. You had a good run. #NASCAR
— brant james (@brantjames) April 21, 2016
Welcome back @TonyStewart! Great news! Everyone is excited to have you back this weekend @NASCARONFOX & @RIRInsider!
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) April 21, 2016
Heck yea @TonyStewart is back!!!
— Matt DiBenedetto (@mattdracing) April 21, 2016