Stewart- Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas on Sunday said Chase-eligibility was a factor in whether Kurt Busch, indefinitely suspended by NASCAR following domestic abuse allegations, would be allowed to return to the #41 Chevy. “At this time that’s really up to NASCAR,” Haas said. “Some of our concerns are, obviously, if he does come back, could we get in the Chase. So, those issues now kind of really reside with NASCAR.” The sanctioning body can grant exemptions for drivers who miss races. NASCAR gave exemptions to Denny Hamlin and Brian Vickers, who had to sit out with medical problems. And NASCAR said SHR Tony Stewart, who missed three races last year after his sprint car struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. in an August race in upstate New York, would be eligible for the Chase if he won at Atlanta or Richmond – the two races he drove in before the field was set. Stewart did not notch a victory. Xfinity Series driver Regan Smith has driven the #41 for SHR in the first three races this season in place of Busch, suspended on Feb. 20.(USA Today), the #41 team is now currently 13 in owners points after 3 races. Regan Smith, would be 12th in drivers points if he was running for Sprint Cup Series points, but he is running for XFINITY Series points in 2015. (3-9-2015)
