Tony Stewart: Drivers Council made "huge statement" this week

Stewart was fined $35,000 by NASCAR last week after criticizing the sanctioning body’s safety efforts in regards to how it formerly policed how teams secured their wheels with lug nuts.

NASCAR made a change to its policy on Monday and the Drivers Council issued a statement saying it would pay Stewart’s fine.

“I didn’t want to take their money,” Stewart said Friday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. “I appreciate their support and I think they made a huge statement as to what the drivers council is about and the fact they didn’t believe what I said deserved a fine.

“I didn’t feel comfortable taking the money. So, what we decided as a group was to put the money together and give it to a great charity (Autism Delaware). That’s something I’m really proud of with this council is how the drivers are united about everything that we are doing.”

Council to meet tonight

Stewart confirmed the council has another meeting Friday night at Talladega following the day’s track activity.

“This was the first time somebody on the council had gotten a penalty for speaking an opinion,” he said. “To show that kind of support and show we’re all one unit – that’s something you don’t normally see and haven’t seen in this sport.

“Guys talk amongst each other, but if someone gets in trouble for something, the rest of the drivers may privately support it, but can’t publicly support it. This was the first time we’ve seen public support like that and I think it’s gone a long way.”

Stewart wouldn't "feel good" about making Chase via Ty victory

Stewart, who made his return to competition last weekend at Richmond following a back injury he suffered in late January, will start Sunday’s GEICO 500 but plans to exit his No. 14 Chevrolet at the race’s first caution.

Ty Dillon, who will substitute for Stewart in the race, will qualify the No. 14 and will spend most of Friday’s practice time in the car.

Stewart may need to take a lap in practice but that will be up to Sprint Cup Series director Richard Buck’s discretion.

While Stewart would be credited for the victory - and be able to use it to qualify for the Chase - should Dillon win the race, he said he preferred not to do it in that manner.

• Stewart also announced that Aspen Dental will become the new title sponsor of the July Truck series race at Eldora Speedway, which Stewart owns. This season’s race is scheduled for July 20.