Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart had a third surgery on his right leg on Monday. Stewart’s team characterized the surgery as a “proactive measure.”
According to NASCAR.com, the surgery was to "examine and close a wound on his shin.” Stewart broke the tibula and fibula in his right leg in a sprint car crash on August 5. After the crash Stewart had two surgeries. The second surgery was for inserting a metal rod inside the tibia.
Stewart hasn’t raced since the injury, and will miss the rest of the season. He is expected to return next season. Despite not being able to race again until next year, Stewart has shown up at a couple of races since the injury. On September third, Stewart has said that he hoped that he wouldn’t need any more surgeries, according to Sporting News. Unfortunately Stewart needed a third surgery, but hopefully he won’t need another surgery.
Mark Martin has filled in for Stewart while he recovers. Martin will fill in for Stewart for the rest of the season, except for the race at Talladega. At Talladega Austin Dillon will fill in for Stewart. Stewart will remain in the hospital for observation.