SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

This is the link to the article if you haven't read it.

http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2014-08-10/tony-stewart-sprint-car-hits-driver-fight-incident-trouble-investigation-new-york-watkins-glen-kevin-ward

The short version from what I understand is that Tony Stewart was racing Kevin Ward. Kevin Ward crashes into wall so the caution comes out. Kevin gets out of car and starts walking down the track yelling and gesturing at Tony as he is coming back around the track. Kevin is hit by Tony's back tire and is killed.

My opinion:

I have seen a video of the incident. After the crash Kevin was walking down the track. The car in front of Tony sees Kevin and pulls down the track some. Tony appears to fishtail the back end of his car up and into Kevin. People at the track say that Tony gunned the engine (which is what would cause the back end to fish tail).

There is no doubt that in my mind that Tony saw him. He had to be looking up at the crash that he was just a part of. However, I suspect Tony didn't deliberately hit him but was trying to "scare" him and show his frustration by fishtailing up towards him. Kind of like a pitcher trying to brush back a hitter leaning over the plate.

The sad part here is that Tony Stewart at the very least, has damaged his career. At worst is going to jail and destroyed his career.

And lets not forget about Kevin Ward. A 20 year old kid who is now dead. I really feel for his family. This is not something that needed to happen.

ETA:

This is not something that needed to happen.

I just want to clarify this statement a little. What I mean is that this was preventable. Had Kevin not run down the track it would not have happened and had Tony seen or not swerved up towards him (however you view this) it would not have happened.

[This message edited by Myname at 10:27 AM, August 10th (Sunday)]

I saw the news stories this morning and was just sick. Tony has been DS18's favorite driver since he was 5 or 6yrs old.

I am absolutely appalled that he is driving today. I know "it's his job" and all that but it seems incredibly insensitive and callous to me.

I've always liked him but can't deny that he has always had a reputation as a hothead.

The most recent update that I have heard, which was about an hour ago, was that Tony Stewart will not be racing today. I think it was his choice to not race today but who knows what was said to him behind the scenes.

He is not driving this evening.

I wasn't there, but I don't believe for a second he was trying to hurt that kid. Yes, he has had a temper in the past, but he has a good heart. He is a local boy, and I have met him more than a few times. He is good friends with my brother.

Im sorry this happened..my prayers are with all involved.

Myname and c615, just got home from church and saw that update. I'm glad, regardless of who made the decision.

I also don't believe he intended to hurt or kill that kid. However, he has a long history of using his car to act out when he was pissed off. It's no different,in my opinion, from someone acting stupid behind the wheel on a highway. If you brake-job someone or swerve toward them to scare them or express your displeasure, and cause a wreck, then you're responsible for the outcome, no matter what your intentions are.

MisterSister (and I) are long time Stewart fans. I agree with confused615 about Tony. MisterSister has been watching the sports channels/Nascar all morning. He has heard that Tony is inconsolable. What a heavy burden to carry.

I will not presume to know anything about what Ward or Stewart's intentions were. I just don't know.

My heart goes out to all the families involved, particularly Kevin Ward's family.

eta: we cross posted HFSSC, and I do agree with you about "intentions"

[This message edited by SisterMilkshake at 12:22 PM, August 10th (Sunday)]

It's a rear-wheel drive car on dirt and it has a lot of power. Which means it's like driving a '70s car on snow, multiplied by five, because these cars are very light.

He had maybe a second to react to seeing Ward. Any attempt to avoid him would mean hitting the gas and trying to skid around him.

The video isn't clear about whether Ward was in his direct path. But if he was, gunning it and swerving was absolutely the only way Stewart had a chance to avoid hitting him.

If not, and Ward was on the side, then Stewart was trying to spray him with dirt and miscalculated. In which case he probably should be jailed.

Hopefully there's some tape somewhere that shows this clearly. My guess is that Stewart is not at fault here. You don't leave your car after an accident - that's as absolute a rule as there is in racing.

Here's a youtube video (warning...it shows everything).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QJdBd0437U&app=desktop&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_QJdBd0437U%26app%3Ddesktop&has_verified=1

I, personally, don't think Tony could have avoided him. It is tragic all around, but Ward should not have gone onto the track. Stay in your car or go over the wall.

Don't charge down a dirt track, at night, in a poorly lit corner in a dark suit because you've lost your temper. I've watched the video more than five times and Tony had about 1 sec to react at all.

Plus Ward Jr was almost hit by the other race car before Stewart car came around.

Hotheaded move that killed him, black jumpsuit darkly lit corner on a badly lit raceway at night, its not going to end well..you don't get out of your race car to confront another driver period while the race is still running

Not a Tony Stewart fan and haven't been for years. Don't like his short temper and large ego. However, I support him. No one wants the memory of hitting another human being with their car and witnessing the tragic outcome weighing on their mind. I wouldn't trade shoes with him for anything and I pray for the rest of his days. Above all, God Bless Kevin Ward and his family. A tragedy all around.

No one wants the memory of hitting another human being with their car and witnessing the tragic outcome weighing on their mind. I wouldn't trade shoes with him for anything and I pray for the rest of his days. Above all, God Bless Kevin Ward and his family. A tragedy all around.

I agree.