Allegations against Stewart unfounded

CONCORD, N.C. -- Allegations that Tony Stewart assaulted a woman following the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway have been dropped, according to Sullivan County district attorney Greeley Wells.

Timeline  •  August 4: Stewart shoves photographer at Indy  •  August 5: Photographer downplays confrontation  •  August 6: NASCAR looks into Stewart incident  •  August 6: NASCAR fines Stewart $10,000  •  August 7: Home Depot not leaving Gibbs Racing  •  August 7: Stewart seeks anger management help  •  August 8: Home Depot fines Stewart $50,000  •  September 6: Stewart accused of shoving fan  •  September 7: Stewart denies hitting fan  •  September 14: Report: EMT says Stewart hit him in July

"The results of the Sullivan County Sheriff's Department investigation were presented to the Sullivan County grand jury today," Wells said.

"They did not take any action, which means they did not return an indictment. That means they consider the item to be closed."

"Just as I've contended all along, I did not assault anyone," Stewart said in a statement released late Tuesday. "I'm relieved to know a grand jury has come to the same conclusion."

Similar allegations have arisen against Stewart this season.

In light of his run-in with a free-lance photographer following the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August, he was subsequently fined $60,000 by the Home Depot and NASCAR.

Emergency worker Larry Jewett alleged that Stewart punched him following an accident at New Hampshire International Speedway earlier this year.

With Tuesday's decision behind him, Stewart can now focus solely on winning the Winston Cup title. He currently ranks third in the championship points race, 74 points behind leader Mark Martin heading to Kansas City.

Stewart has three wins this season.

"I greatly appreciate the strong support given to me by my fellow drivers throughout this ordeal, as well as the backing provided by my fans, Joe Gibbs Racing, Home Depot, NASCAR, Bristol Motor Speedway, my family and friends," Stewart said. "I look forward to having a renewed focus in the remaining races on the Winston Cup schedule beginning with this weekend's event at Kansas."