On August 9, 2014, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart was involved in a tragic accident during a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York. The incident resulted in the death of 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. and had a profound impact on Stewart’s career and the broader racing community.
The Incident
During the race, Stewart and Ward were competing closely when Stewart’s car made contact with Ward’s, causing Ward to crash into the wall. Following the crash, Ward exited his vehicle and walked onto the track, seemingly to confront Stewart. As Stewart approached under caution, his car struck Ward, who was thrown approximately 25 feet and succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The incident was thoroughly investigated by local authorities. A grand jury ultimately decided not to indict Stewart on any criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove intent or recklessness. A toxicology report revealed that Ward had marijuana in his system at levels that could impair judgment.
Aftermath and Impact
Stewart took a hiatus from racing, missing several NASCAR events, including the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen. He later expressed deep remorse, stating, “This has been the toughest and most emotional experience of my life, and it will stay with me forever.”
The incident sparked discussions about safety protocols in motorsports, particularly concerning drivers exiting their vehicles on active tracks. NASCAR subsequently implemented new rules prohibiting drivers from approaching the racing surface after incidents.
Civil Lawsuit and Settlement
In the years following the incident, Ward’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stewart. The case was settled out of court in April 2018, with the terms of the settlement remaining confidential.
Legacy
The tragic accident remains a somber chapter in Tony Stewart’s career and serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in motorsports. It led to increased scrutiny of safety measures and prompted changes aimed at protecting drivers and officials on the track.
For a detailed visual account of the incident, you can watch the following report:
