Reports are coming in that NASCAR driver Tony Stewart was involved in an on-track incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York that injured a driver that was out of their vehicle. What we know for certain is that the Ontario, New York Police Department is investigating at this time, that it involved another driver, believed to be Kevin Ward, Jr., and that a driver (again believed to be Ward) was being treated by paramedics on the track. Track officials stopped the race and closed down the track, sending racers and the audience home. Currently there is no official word on the condition of the driver.
Source: Deadspin
Information is sketchy right now, and because of that, we are waiting for the official releases from either the Ontario Police or either racer’s PR people. Thompson Health has acknowledged one driver being treated as a result of a crash at Canandaigua, with “life-threatening injuries”. As of writing, the only statement released has been from the Canandaigua Motorsports Park: “Tonight’s racing events were suspended due to an accident. Please hold off on any speculation until we have further information to share.”
We will update information as we receive it.
UPDATE 1: Thad Brown, the assistant sports director for WROC-TV in Rochester, New York, has obtained footage of the actual incident, showing Ward exiting his car and showing Stewart striking him. No word yet on Ward’s condition. We have since taken the link down after learning about Ward’s passing.
Latest statement from Canandaigua Motorsports Park: “Canandaigua Motorspots Park will not have an official statement on the accident that happened in the ESS race until tomorrow. Please pray for the entire racing community of fans, drivers, and families. Please be respectful in any comments.”
UPDATE 2: Kevin Ward was taken to the hospital via ambulance, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:15 p.m. local time. He was 20 years old. Accident occurred 10:30 p.m. local time. Stewart has been fully cooperative with the investigation. As of press time, the investigation IS NOT criminal.
UPDATE 3: Official statement from Tony Stewart’s PR: “A tragic accident took place last night during a sprint car race in which Tony Stewart was participating. Tony was unhurt, but a fellow competitor lost his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We’re still attempting to sort through all the details and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”
UPDATE 4: Stewart will not drive at Watkins Glen today. Instead, Regan Smith will sub for him.
Sporting News is reporting the other driver was dead on arrival to the hospital. Sad. Prayers for his family and fans.
Tony Stewart has always been a pain in the ass and he always thought he was dale earnhardt, i dont watch NASCAR like i used to but he was never good for the sport. I hope enjoyed his career there cause its definatley over, hopefully he’ll spend some quality time behind bars for this one.
Those are some strong words. You have already tried and hung the man before you have any facts of the story. Tony Stewart is good people.
In the long and storied history of complete f****ng idiots, you JohnnyG are the all time champion. Go make some breakfast and let the men talk.
I’ve never liked Tony Stewart as a driver , but an accident is just that ,an accident! I’m sure Stewart is feeling pretty bad about this and has to think about this for the rest of his life. I don’t envy that about him . My thoughts and prayers go out to the young man and his family . Racing is a dangerous sport and these tragedies will happen from time to time . Let’s grieve fro the loss and move on to find a remedy to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
I saw 2 different videos before they were taken down off of Youtube. .Just my opinion.The original incident just looked like a racing deal.Mr Ward was on the outside,Stewart on the inside entering 1 and 2.Contact was made.I don’t think Stewart making contact with Mr Ward was intentional.The caution flag was displayed.Mr Ward exited his car and started walking the track to show his displeasure.One of the first cars to pass him did swerve to miss him.Stewart was the next car to pass him.As he passed you could hear and see him whack the throttle.Car kicked out hit Mr Ward and pitched him in the air.He landed face first on to the track lifelessly.You go to the bottom of the track and IDLE under the yellow flag.You don’t whack the throttle when you see another racer or track official.Just saying.
Often, one has to briefly ACCELERATE to avoid an oncoming issue !
Tony has always been a “Hot Head” the only time he was contained is when he was with Joe Gibbs — The 1st reports were they had had a dispute and Tony Retaliated –does not surprise anyone that knows of Tony’s past—BIG Nascar $$$$ involved hope whatever the outcome we all learn the truth
Prayers be with the family
Jim
Just a couple of questions. Do the laws of the state this happened in address accidents like this as manslaughter? And does the district attorney have to pursue this as such? A true tragedy. The young man should not have walked onto the track, but I was always taught that vehicle operators have a responsibility to use the brakes in situations like this.
All you know it all know nothing’s non race car driving fools SHUT UP. Let the facts come out before you dopes pass judgment on a person.
Hey, Logan at Deadspin– in your search for sensationalistic, misleading, ratings driven ,obviously biased headlines, you forgot to say that Tony had PREMEDITATED MURDER on his mind as he DELIBERATELY sought out and BRUTALLY attacked a young boy– running over him with an angry vengeance!!! Why didn’t you go all the way ?.
I’ll be SURE to look for your follow up “story” so I can learn the unbiased Truth as to EXACTLY what happened !!!
Sick mfkr —
Hard to mix facts and your obvious hatred of Tony isn’t it !
Those videos aren’t the Zapruder film. And just because Stewart has been a prickly personality off the track doesn’t mean he hit the young man on purpose. I’m waiting for the facts before passing judgement.
I hope JohnnyG is never called for jury duty.
Most accidents can be avoided but the reality of it all is that in that split second decision one may panic. I’ve always thought the most dangerous thing a driver can do on the track is get out of his or her car! It doesn’t matter if it is under caution or green. Too many times drivers are still racing under caution back to the finish line. I know this may not be the case but is at many other tracks across the nation. When one leaves the confines of ones cockpit unless said vehicle is in immediate harm they take their lives into their own hands. People get run over on tracks all the time because one wants to show their displeasure with another driver or track officials. We often don’t hear about it because it happens to someone else. Before we pass judgment on Mr. Stewart take into account all information and facts. This is a dark time for racing the truth will and shall be sent forward. All prayers are up to the Wards and Mr. Stewart.
It is dumbfounding that he tried to confront a moving vehicle on foot. Are drivers not given safety rules before each race? Who in their right mind would do that?? Did he intend to punch him in the helmet?? Poor motherfucker got himself killed, and poor Stewart ended up being the one hitting him. Tragedy on both sides..