Tony Stewart won’t race at Watkins Glen

Tony Stewart will not compete in Sunday’s NASCAR race at Watkins Glen International.

The news follows Stewart’s involvement in the death of a 20-year-old driver Saturday night at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park. Stewart was behind the wheel of a sprint car when he struck Kevin Ward Jr., who was on foot and had just been involved in an accident with Stewart.

Stewart-Haas Racing competition director Greg Zipadelli initially said Stewart would race. However, upon further consideration Zipadelli revised Stewart’s status shortly before 10:30 a.m. ET.

“This is a very emotional time for everybody and with that being said Tony will not drive today,” Zipadelli said. “We talked last night, and after going through the night and giving Tony some time to sleep on it, and after meeting with him this morning, we realize this is the right thing to do.”

Ward was hit when he approached Stewart’s car under caution. Stewart’s car bobbled with the right side impacting Ward, who was hurtled through the air. An investigation is ongoing and is not being handled as a “criminal manner,” according to Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Philip C. Povero.

Povero described Stewart as “visibly shaken” and cooperating fully with authorities.

“We know it’s just an unbelievable tragedy,” Zipadelli said. “Our hearts go out to Kevin and his family. Our thoughts and prayers. This is a very tough, very emotional time for everybody -- his family, our family at Stewart-Haas, Tony Stewart.”

Regan Smith will drive Stewart’s No. 14 car Sunday. A Nationwide Series driver for JR Motorsports, Smith finished 17th in Saturday’s Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen.

NASCAR gave approval to Smith’s last-minute substitution, although Smith had not taken a lap in Cup car all weekend. JR Motorsports like SHR shares a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.