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Stewart Out At Watkins Glen Following Tragedy

Tony Stewart involved in fatality at sprint-car race; withdraws from Watkins Glen race.  [Father Dale Grubba Photo]

 

Watkins Glen, N. Y.  – Tony Stewart ran over and killed 20-year old sprint-car driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a race at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday evening.  The Canandaigua track is a half-mile dirt facility and the race was a winged Empire Super Sprints event.

“There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It’s a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I’ve decided not to participate in today’s race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

– Tony Stewart statement

The accident occurred during the 30-lap feature race, and it started when the two drivers came together with the Ward car striking a wall and spinning out.  According to reports and as seen on YouTube, Ward climbed from his damaged car, walked to the middle of the track and pointed at Stewart.  Apparently, Stewart didn’t see the unhappy driver and ran over him, throwing him some 20 feet.

Rescue workers rushed to the aide of Ward, and he was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators were called to the scene, and Stewart reportedly offered his full cooperation.  No charges were made and the investigation is ongoing.

Quickly, the story triggered nationwide coverage and at Watkins Glen International on Sunday morning, the media center was abuzz with the breaking news.

On Sunday morning, Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition for Stewart- Haas Racing met with the media and announced that Stewart has withdrawn from Sunday’s Cheez-It 355 at the Glen.  He was scheduled to start 13th in a race he has won five times.

“It’s just an unbelievable tragedy and our thoughts.  Our hearts go out to Kevin and his family,” Zipadelli said.  “This is a very tough and very emotional time for everybody – his family, our family at Stewart-Haas and Tony Stewart.   With that said, we feel that as a group Tony will not drive today.”

Regan Smith will replace Stewart in the Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1 Chevrolet.

“Regan is on his way up and NASCAR has approved for him to get in the race car today,” Zipadelli added.

According to Zipadelli, a small group met with Stewart this morning and reached the decision.  “He feels strongly this is the right thing to do.   We at SHR support it and agree with it.  This is what we feel is right and are supporting Tony in it.”

Only a year ago, Stewart received severe leg injuries in a sprint-car accident in Iowa, and he has just started to race the powerful sprint cars again.  To date, he is known to have raced twice in Michigan and the Canandaigua race was thought to be his third outing in a winged sprinter.

Going into Sunday’s Sprint Cup race, Stewart was 19th in points and his chances for making the Chase were slim unless he wins one of the next four races before the regular season concludes in Richmond on September 6.

 

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