Tony Stewart given standing ovation before Oral-B 500

Tony Stewart was given a standing ovation before the Oral-B 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, his first race since the death of Kevin Ward Jr.

Tony Stewart was given a standing ovation before the Oral-B 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, his first race since he struck and killed Kevin Ward Jr. in an accident during a sprint car event.

Stewart didn't race the last three weeks as he mourned Ward's death.

FanSided: Tony Stewart back where he belongs

"I've taken the last couple of weeks off out of respect for Kevin and his family and also to cope with the accident in my own way," he said at a press conference on Friday.

Stewart, 43, waved to the crowd as it cheered for him during pre-race introductions. He started the race in the 12th spot.

Ovation for Tony Stewart at driver intros was quite loud. All cheers.

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) August 31, 2014

Tony Stewart and team pray before the Atlanta race. pic.twitter.com/ukkBpjV7Ge

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) August 31, 2014

- Chris Mascaro