Tony Stewart will return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart Haas Racing confirmed late Thursday afternoon that Stewart will return to the seat of the No. 14 Chevrolet SS for Saturday’s Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Stewart has been absent from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since being involved in an accident at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park on Aug. 9 that resulted in the death of 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. Local authorities are still investigating the incident and have not indicated when the investigation will be complete.

NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell said in a statement that the sanctioning body has no problem with Stewart’s return to the series.
“Tony Stewart has received all necessary clearances required to return to all racing activities, and therefore is eligible to compete this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” O’Donnell said. “NASCAR has remained in constant contact with his race team, and we will stay very close to this situation as Stewart returns to competition.”

Stewart skipped the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) Int’l the following day, with Regan Smith filling the seat of the No. 14 Chevrolet SS. Jeff Burton has driven Stewart’s car the last two weekends at Michigan Int’l Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Stewart will address the media Friday at 1 p.m. EST in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s infield media center.