Tony Stewart Hits, Kills Driver Kevin Ward Jr.

[ArchietheDragon]

Aug 12, 2014 10:04:20 GMT -5 Shooby said:

And, in the future, there should be STEEP STEEP penalties for exiting your car        

I agree and would vote for the death penalty. 

[OldCoyote]

Aug 11, 2014 13:00:15 GMT -5 b2r said:

  IMHO...Tony was like...How dare you call me out, I'm TONY STEWART and was going to spray the young driver with dirt and got too close. 

You Got It.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Aug 13, 2014 7:32:55 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

Aug 11, 2014 13:00:15 GMT -5 b2r said:

  IMHO...Tony was like...How dare you call me out, I'm TONY STEWART and was going to spray the young driver with dirt and got too close. 

You Got It.

Seriously

You can't see where Ward was in the wrong on so many levels? Walking out onto the middle of a darkened track when there were cars still in motion - in an attempt to confront Stewart right on the track - even though Stewart was in his car - doing his caution lap - in other words, a moving vehicle.?

Those cars can't just stop on a dime, in case you didn't know. And it WAS dark out - the fire-suits that Ward wore were also usually always black.

[hurley1980]

This is a terrible thing that happened, but I remember saying to my DH as we were watching the video clip "he's gonna get hit!  Oh shit, he got hit! Well that's Darwin's Law for ya!"  Seriously, if this kid was stupid enough to walk out onto a hot track in the fashion he did, lets face it, he was going to get picked off sooner or later.

It's awful that Ward Jr. lost his life, but there is no one to blame but himself. Stewart may be a hot head, but he's not a murderer!

[OldCoyote]

Aug 13, 2014 14:11:27 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

Aug 13, 2014 7:32:55 GMT -5 OldCoyote said:

You Got It.

Seriously

You can't see where Ward was in the wrong on so many levels? Walking out onto the middle of a darkened track when there were cars still in motion - in an attempt to confront Stewart right on the track - even though Stewart was in his car - doing his caution lap - in other words, a moving vehicle.?

Those cars can't just stop on a dime, in case you didn't know. And it WAS dark out - the fire-suits that Ward wore were also usually always black.

Light enough that they can go Like 150MPH down the straight away.

Just look at Tony's past with other drivers

[Shooby]

It's easy to feel sorry for Ward since he is dead. But, he got out of the car and walked SEVERAL steps out onto the course. He CHOOSE to get out and act like an idiot and beat his chest and it cost him.

[Ryan]

I've never watched racing in my life, but it seems like common sense that you wouldn't exit your car on a race track?  I don't know how you could blame a driver for hitting a dude walking on the track.

Even if you do go-carts, they tell you not to stand up after you're parked until everyone is in and at a standstill.  

[b2r]

        Kevin Ward Sr.: Tony Stewart's actions can't overshadow my son's racing life

 Ward Sr. and his wife Pamela were at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park Saturday when Kevin, 20, angrily stepped out of the No. 13 car in an Empire Super Sprint race. NASCAR star Tony Stewart had pushed the vehicle up the track's wall. It was the first time Kevin had ever gotten out of his car during a race, his father said.

"I think the reason he probably got out of that car is who put him into the wall. He was definitely put into the wall," Ward Sr. said.

Kevin was dressed in an orange and black suit with fluorescent stripes down the sides that glowed under the lights, his father said. There was a caution flag, racers were slowing and moving to the bottom of the track, he said. The other drivers saw Kevin walking, his father said.

"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," he said.

 "Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it," Ward Sr. said.

Kevin got out of his car and walked along the track as if to confront Stewart, who hit Ward.

The crash is controversial. Debates are raging on the Internet over Stewart's intent and Kevin's behavior.

 Ontario County sheriff's deputies are investigating. They've met with the Wards twice. Kevin Ward Sr. said he has been told deputies will speak to every driver, gathering video and evidence, and taking statements from witnesses about his son's actions and Stewart's driving.

"The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?" Ward Sr. said.

          Is he wishful thinking or does he know something?

www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/kevin_ward_sr_speaks_about_his_son_his_death_and_tony_stewart.html#incart_most-read

 From the time he was a toddler, Kevin loved driving fast. He was going on four years old when his dad bought him a little kart to drive around on a homemade track in Ward's backyard in Port Leyden.

His dad showed him how to gas up the go-kart and pull the cord to start it. Kevin started driving at 8 a.m., barely stopped for lunch, and kept going until 8 p.m. He'd cry when bedtime came.

"He would just go around that circle," Ward Sr. said.

A year later, dad got a race-competition go-kart for himself and his son. That spring, Kevin ran four races before his fifth birthday in May. He lost the first and won the next 17, his father remembers.

By the time he was six, Kevin wanted to fix the motor. "By eight years old, he was taking apart motors, and learning pistons and valves, and all kinds of stuff," his dad said.

Ward Sr. raced. So did Kevin and two of his three older sisters -- three nights a week. The family owned 15 motors and had six or seven go-karts. "We went way overboard," Ward Sr. said.

Over the years, they earned more than 500 trophies, he said, some displayed on a 40-foot-long wall in the family's garage. About 350 of them are Kevin's, his father said.

By eight years old, Kevin was coming off the track telling his dad what needed to be done to make the kart handle better. Two years later, adults were asking "Budster" for advice, his father said.

At age 12, Kevin's graduated to micro sprint cars, running against grownups. He won right away.

By the time Kevin was 14, "Budster" had worn off and the old guys made him "Junior." That's when Kevin began racing 360 sprint cars, which can hit 130 mph in the straightaways. "It was like he'd been driving the damn thing since he was five," Ward Sr. said.

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

While Ward should have stayed in his car - I agree with that - you're right b2, Stewart swirved for him. Four or five cars go past Ward, and when Stewart's car hits him it is clearly swirving. This is clearly evident from the fact that Stewarts car ends up driving towards the rail.

Both played a part in this tragedy, sad day for racing considering how much potential Ward had. May God rest his soul.

[truthbound]

Racing has risks. Accidents happen.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Seriously, b2r and AHamb ?

I've watched that video - as well as others - Ward could have stood by the rail - but he didn't . The second he was out of his car, he darted onto the darkened track - then stepped further out - raising his arm in an angry gesture. If he'd stayed near the rail, this tragedy would never have happened.

The track emergency crew were already on their way to his crashed car - look how quickly they arrived (within seconds) of Ward getting hit.

He was at fault for dashing out onto the middle of the track like he did - HE was confronting Stewart as he was coming around the track - because he was pissed his car had hit the rail when it got clipped.

[NancysSummerSip]

Aug 15, 2014 14:13:25 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

Seriously, b2r and AHamb ?

I've watched that video - as well as others - Ward could have stood by the rail - but he didn't . The second he was out of his car, he darted onto the darkened track - then stepped further out - raising his arm in an angry gesture. If he'd stayed near the rail, this tragedy would never have happened.

The track emergency crew were already on their way to his crashed car - look how quickly they arrived (within seconds) of Ward getting hit.

He was at fault for dashing out onto the middle of the track like he did - HE was confronting Stewart as he was coming around the track - because he was pissed his car had hit the rail when it got clipped.

. Kevin Ward had zero business getting out of his car.  If it was a confrontation he wanted, he could have gotten that after the race. His anger was out of control, and it cost him his life.

FWIW, Tony Stewart should be keeping his mouth shut at this point. He has not been charged, and should not say anything to incriminate himself. The investigation will come to its conclusion, and at that time, he can and probably will speak. I don't like the guy, but from a legal standpoint, he's doing what he has to do: staying off the radar and letting law enforcement and the lawyers handle it. I realize Ward's family thinks he's a horrible piece of scum; after all, they've lost a child. But they are expecting Stewart to offer some kind of emotional reaction, and that's exactly what he should not do; it could be used against him in court, should this progress to that point.

All tracks and all racing authorities make it clear to drivers and track workers: race cars, even when they are compromised in an accident, are safer inside than outside. Contact between cars happens. Mechanical failure happens. Walls jump out and bite you. Keep your butt safe and stay off an active racing surface until you are directed to do otherwise by emergency crews or race officials. If a driver must exit their vehicle, due to fire or imminent danger of fire, then get behind the nearest wall, fence, tire barrier or Armco.

As for why Stewart did not see Ward: in the video, Ward moves down the track as Stewart approaches. Drivers who passed Ward first may have had a clearer view of him, simply because he was standing higher up on the racing surface. Once Ward moved lower, he may have been out of Stewart's line of vision, or out of what little lighting there was on that part of the track. Also, after looking at several videos, I am unable to determine what part of Ward's body was hit first. I am wondering if it was his arm (the one he was using to point at Stewart), which could also explain why Stewart's car clipped him, and the other cars missed.

[truthbound]

Aug 15, 2014 14:13:25 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

Seriously, b2r and AHamb ?

I've watched that video - as well as others - Ward could have stood by the rail - but he didn't . The second he was out of his car, he darted onto the darkened track - then stepped further out - raising his arm in an angry gesture. If he'd stayed near the rail, this tragedy would never have happened.

The track emergency crew were already on their way to his crashed car - look how quickly they arrived (within seconds) of Ward getting hit.

He was at fault for dashing out onto the middle of the track like he did - HE was confronting Stewart as he was coming around the track - because he was pissed his car had hit the rail when it got clipped.

I was trying to be polite since people are so PC sensitive. But it really is true. At the end of the day the dumbass ran onto the track.

[NancysSummerSip]

UPDATE:

Grand jury done with hearing the case. Results to be announced today at 3 p.m. EST.

[ArchietheDragon]

pundits are saying that Grand Jurys are just rubber stamps and there is 0 possibility that he isn't charged with something.

[NancysSummerSip]

Sept 24, 2014 12:10:24 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

pundits are saying that Grand Jurys are just rubber stamps and there is 0 possibility that he isn't charged with something.

I would be personally surprised if he was charged. I just do not see justifiable cause here, but that's based on years of track experience, not any experience at this track or in this case.

However, the justice system is very, very political, and it may not be possible for him to exit this scenario with some charge or another. He will almost certainly be liable on a civil level. But I don't see it from a criminal standpoint.

[NancysSummerSip]

I saw one news organization that has supposedly early "insider" information. I know the source well, and don't trust it, but supposedly, they have accurate information on the grand jury's decision.

[ArchietheDragon]

NO Charges!   Pundits wrong?

[steff]

Watching the press conference now....the Grand Jury No Billed him....no charges. 

[steff]

2nd (unseen) video shows that Tony held his line & did not move up towards Ward.  Ward came down beyond an acceptable line onto a "hot" track.  

NO charges. 

[steff]

Kevin Ward had high levels of THC in his blood, enough to lead to "impairment". 


there goes the family's civil suit. 

[ArchietheDragon]

Sept 24, 2014 14:19:06 GMT -5 steff said:

Kevin Ward had high levels of THC in his blood, enough to lead to "impairment". 


there goes the family's civil suit. 

Weed Rage

[swamp]

www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/09/tony_stewart_charged_with_manslaughter_in_kevin_wards_death_at_upstate_ny_race_r.html

for some reason, the link says he's charged with manslaughter.  he won't be charged.

[swamp]

Total political move by the DA Tantillo.

He wouldn't make the tough call and tossed it to the Grand Jury.

[steff]

Sept 24, 2014 14:22:01 GMT -5 swamp said:

www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/09/tony_stewart_charged_with_manslaughter_in_kevin_wards_death_at_upstate_ny_race_r.html

for some reason, the link says he's charged with manslaughter.  he won't be charged.

Nope, watched the Grand Jury presser....no charges. 

[steff]

Sept 24, 2014 14:22:35 GMT -5 swamp said:

Total political move by the DA Tantillo.

He wouldn't make the tough call and tossed it to the Grand Jury.

I can see why he passed the hot potato on to the Grand Jury.  He's was damned if he does & damned if he doesn't.  this will stop any talk of a cover up or charging because of local pressure or not charging because of Nascar $$.

[swamp]

Sept 24, 2014 14:23:11 GMT -5 steff said:

Sept 24, 2014 14:22:01 GMT -5 swamp said:

www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/09/tony_stewart_charged_with_manslaughter_in_kevin_wards_death_at_upstate_ny_race_r.html

for some reason, the link says he's charged with manslaughter.  he won't be charged.

Nope, watched the Grand Jury presser....no charges. 

The link says that, but click on the story and it says he will not be charged.

[swamp]

www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20140924/NEWS03/140929349

A better link

[NancysSummerSip]

Not a happy outcome, of course. No woo-hooing should be part of any fan's day. Kevin Ward's family is and will always suffer his loss. But I maintain what I have said all along. Tony Stewart was not at fault that night. And despite the way he is painted in many media outlets, he is not a heartless soul. He will grieve every day for what happened.

[steff]

Statement from Tony Stewart to Marty Smith (ESPN Nascar reporter)

TONY STEWART STATEMENT ->

“This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and continue to receive.

“I respect everything the District Attorney and Sheriff’s Office did to thoroughly investigate this tragic accident. While the process was long and emotionally difficult, it allowed for all the facts of the accident to be identified and known.

“While much of the attention has been on me, it’s important to remember a young man lost his life. Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”