<P> Stewart did not do as well in the 2015 season as hoped, as he failed to score a win for the second year in a row and missed the Chase . He even failed to finish higher than 6th - place for the first time in his career . He showed signs of a comeback after qualifying runs of 4th at Indianapolis, 5th at Pocono, 3rd at Watkins Glen, and 5th at Michigan . Bad calls by crew chief Chad Johnston, the aero package not complementing Stewart's driving style, and a string of bad luck further contributed to his woes . </P> <P> In August, Stewart lent his private plane to the family of IndyCar driver Justin Wilson so they could fly out to Long Pond, PA, after Wilson was severely injured during a late - race crash; Wilson died several hours later . </P> <P> On September 27, 2015, Bob Pockrass reported that Stewart announced plans to retire from racing at the conclusion of the 2016 season . Stewart formally made an announcement on September 30 confirming this and announcing that Clint Bowyer would replace him in the No. 14 in 2017 . </P> <P> On January 31, 2016, Stewart injured his back while riding a dune buggy outside of San Diego with fellow driver Greg Biffle . Four days later, Stewart - Haas Racing announced he had suffered a burst fracture in his lumbar vertebra, which would prevent him from competing in the Daytona 500 . Stewart was replaced by Brian Vickers and Ty Dillon . Stewart missed the first eight races of the season . On April 24, Stewart returned to racing in the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond, where he finished 19th . Before the Richmond race, NASCAR granted Stewart a waiver from the rule saying that a driver must attempt every race to be eligible for the Chase . If Stewart wins a race and finishes in the top 30 in the standings by the autumn Richmond race, he will qualify for the 2016 Chase for the Sprint Cup . </P>

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