The Dangers of Playing the Blame Game
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Tony Stewart at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 2014. Credit: Charlotte Bray for Skirts and Scuffs |
Late Saturday night, tragedy touched the racing world in a very deep way. During a sprint car race being held at a dirt track in Canandaigua, New York, a young driver named Kevin Ward Jr. was killed. He was struck by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart. Ward was just 20 years old.
If you've seen the video (which I hope you haven't, out of respect to both parties), then you may already be playing the blame game. The events unfolded so quickly, and it was such an intense moment that it's hard not to form an opinion. We want to side with someone.
Sadly, there is no side to take in this.
The two drivers made contact with each other during a race, Stewart's right rear touching the left front of Ward's car, sending Ward's car spinning into the wall. The caution was called, and Ward exited his car, walking down the track, fists angrily pointing at the car of Stewart. In the blink of an eye, Stewart's car approached Ward and seconds later the young man was lying on the track as safety officials and first responders rush to the scene. Ward was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival, the Ontario County Sheriff's Department said. Stewart was questioned by authorities and released, being described as fully cooperative and very upset.
Stewart-Haas Racing's vice president of competition, Greg Zipadelli, said Stewart had decided not to compete in Sunday's race.
Stewart used his car as a weapon.
Ward should not have exited the car.
Stewart gunned the engine when he got to him.
Ward should have had a helmet on.
Stewart's career is over.
Ward should have known who he was dealing with.
I can't believe Stewart is going to race tomorrow (at Watkins Glen International Raceway, the site of this weekend's Sprint Cup Race).
Ward would still be alive if he had stayed in his vehicle.
The opinions go on and on, musings from people involved in motorsports and views from general news watchers. They're hard to read.
No good ending can come from the incident that happened tonight. Either way you flip the coin, someone's life will never be the same. Ward's family will not get to see him grow up. Stewart will forever have to live with the fact that he hit and killed a human being.
Trying to blame someone just makes the situation worse. A young man's life has ended. A veteran racer will live with the pain forever. Why it happened and who was at fault have no part in this story. Blame is a dangerous thing. It turns people against one another, and creates tension between everyone involved. It doesn't solve the problem, and it doesn't make what happened go away. Taking sides is irrelevant, because no matter whose side you're on, there's no happy ending to this story.
While the news out of Canandaigua is unfathomable, social media is making the situation worse by speculating about whose fault it was, and what should happen to Stewart. Saturday night's race was not a NASCAR-sanctioned event, so it is unlikely that they will be involved, and in fact said there was nothing precluding Stewart from driving. Stewart is said to already be back at Watkins Glen, and was reported to be very upset. The family of Kevin Ward Jr. has yet to make a statement. Stewart-Haas Racing (the four-car Sprint Cup team that Stewart holds ownership in), released a statement acknowledging what happened, and advised that they are attempting to sort through all the details while keeping Ward's family in their prayers.
As the investigation into the accident unfolds, it is going to be very hard for the public not to pass judgment on either party. But what we must remember is that above all, a young man tragically lost his life last night. It doesn't do anyone any good to speculate on the situation. It's unfair to both Stewart and Ward.
As the racing community prepares to deal with another loss of life, we must come together as one, and show the world just how powerful the motorsports family is. We are a community that supports each other, no matter the car that someone drives, or the amount of money behind their team. At the core of this community is a base of people who share a passion for motorsports. We respect each other and at the end of the day, we have each other's backs.
While what happened last night is a true tragedy, there are only two people that know the truth of what happened on that racetrack. Social media gives us the power to get news quickly, but it is also our biggest downfall, as many early reports are often unconfirmed. People form their opinions on the incident based off of statements that are not 100-percent fact, and from there the blame game ensues.
I can assure you that the blame game does no good here. If you want to be angry or upset or sad about the accident, that's fine. We are all entitled to our own reactions. But to try to figure out exactly who is to blame will drive us crazy. There is no one to blame. Two people reacted to a situation. The outcome of the reaction was not one that we expected, but one that we will grieve.
Let's not take sides here. Let's be the strong racing community that we are known for, and treat each other with respect over these next few weeks. Let's support the investigation, and at the end of the day let's remember that a life was lost.
Life is what matters most, life is valuable, precious, and as we were reminded tonight, too short. Today, we must move forward with our lives, as another family picks up the pieces. Let them grieve privately, and withhold your judgment of the young man and the veteran racer. Support them as they all try to heal. And overall, be kind to one another. You just don't know when the words you speak may be your last.
Godspeed, Kevin Ward Jr.
The Dangers of Playing the Blame Game
Reviewed by Stephanie Stuart-Landrey
on
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Rating:

Amen.
ReplyDeleteMany other drivers have lost their lives doing what they love. It is big time news only because of it being Tony. Please stop this and pray for all involved.
DeleteTony Stewart DIDENT have to SWERVE AT HIM AND GAS HIS CAR TO RUN HIM OVER!!!!! he could have went low around him to avoid hitting him not Swerved at him to HIT AND KILL HIM!!!!! and he should face CRIMIAL charges Assault with a Motor Vehicle, for INTENTIONALLY HITTING HIM!!! When there is a wreck on the track there is a Caution Flag that is Waved that tells drivers to Slow Down, NOT GAS IT and watch for debris and PEOPLE be it Drivers, Emergency, Safety or Track Personnel, So there was NO EXCUSE for Tony Stewart MURDERING that Driver He WRECKED!
DeleteIf you knew anything you would be dangerous to society but fortunately you don't! If you paid attention to the video ( about the 11 second mark)the unfortunate driver attempted to jumped up on the nerf bar and grabbed the wing n fell,TS car did not hit anything, a sprint cars suspension does not flex the way it did when you hit the gas
DeleteYa know its not about taking sides it's the principle of the thing. If I wave a gun at someone and it accidentally goes off Im in trouble no questions asked. It doesn't matter if this driver had his helmet on, it doesn't matter that he got out of the car, what matters is Stewart who is suppose to be an experienced veteran of racing hit this guy with his car. it doesn't matter if he was trying to be cute and throw dirt up at the guy. The guy didn't run in front of him. Ward was standing off to the side and stewart went to the right and hit him. As far as I am concerned Stewart should at least be thrown out of racing, at least suspended for 5 years. If it were up to me he would be in jail. and he should pay restitution to Mr. Wards family. Why doesn't he go race with the world of outlaws and try a stunt like that. Im not a Stewart basher, I hardly follow nascar any more but this is wrong. A snake is a snake and wrong is wrong. I know everyone is going to say oh Stewart made a mistake, bad judgment call. Well guess what. There are a lot of everyday people who made bad decisions and did thing by accident and they all ended up in jail. Well hes no better. Mistake sure.. Unpunished ABSOULUTLY NOT !!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSprint cars are very different in that the rear wheels stick way out. Ward didn't need to be in front to get hit. The video did not show TS accelerate, you hear a car engine rev then you see TS car. You are assuming the sound heard is also TS car. You are also assuming the engine rev is from acceleration; when it could also be from downshifting! TS car doesn't move right until after contact was made. The simple fact is anger and poor judgement caused a tragedy
DeleteInformation only here. Dirt sprint cars do not have transmissions so they cannot down shift. They are either in gear or out of gear. Just wish people would quit blaming and start praying for both sides.
DeleteSo your not taking sides? I guess you failed to read the article.
DeleteThe kid had no reason for being out of his car. All i can say is your an idiot if you think Tony Stewart hit that kid on purpose.
DeleteDrivers should be fined or suspended if they exit the car with intentions of retaliations (i.e. throwing helmets and/or waving a finger). Other than that, it was an unfortunate accident.
DeleteAre you effing delusional he was standing off the the side?? He ran at the car trying to be a tough guy after the car in front of stewart barley missed him he got even closer...he is just as much if not more at fault for his own death then stewart
DeleteJust another adult who didn't mentor a young man of the sport. Instead, they had altercations and this is the result. There is no role modeling in sports anymore, only anger and one ups-manship. Now a life is lost and two careers are gone. The adult is to blame and should take full responsibility for the loss of a boy. He hit him into the wall, and the exchange of words before the race is what lead to the anger and rage. Another poor example set for our youth that retaliation is the only way to resolve issues. SAD.
DeleteSounds like you are taking sides to me......Suppose Stewart did not see this man until seconds before he hit him.....dimly lit track, man in a black racing suit against a dark background....you have NO idea what happened...you were NOT there...you ONLY saw a video that shows the incident at a bad angle. YOU know nothing.
DeleteI was there and ward was at fault. There is no way TS even saw ward with the seats that are made and neck restraints you can barely see forward. Ward should've backed off he didn't and got himself thrown into a wall. After TS saw him in the way he gassed it..... It was the quickest way to move the car left to avoid ward you steer a sprint car with throttle more then wheel. If you say TS hot him on purpose you are an idiot he gassed it due to the fact that that's the quickest way to move the rear end left. TS knew what he was doing and did what he knew would steer the car away from ward the quickest but still out was to late. As a driver myself you NEVER get out of your car until told to do so by officials especially on a track with active cars. If ward had held his temper and stayed in his car he wouldn't be where he is now. I know I'm taking sides but you know what as a driver I see and pickup on a lot and truth is ward shouldn't of gotten out of his car.....
DeleteJust one of those freak accidents that happen in racing. Thoughts and prayers to the ward family and smoke
DeleteTo the guy who thinks TS should go run with the World of Outlaws he does. He also owns race tracks that the WOO run on every year. TS did not hit that kid on purpose. If you watch the video the car in front of Tony slmost hit him because he was almost in front of the cars. If you're going to confront somebody do it in the pits. Don't jump out of your car with other cars still moving on the track.
DeleteOpinions are like assholes, Everyone has one.
DeleteIf uve never been in a race car your comment is dillusional.the wing on the right side hangs down obstructing view. Camera view was from left side . U could not see. What gappened. Your assumptions and speculation are pathetic . Let's pray for both partys
DeleteJust in the second opinion whoever you are have just got to keep running it in the ground and try and put your two sense in you obviously do a lot of arguing in your life. You have never driven a car and doubt you ever owned one. That was a great article. Imagine that some one still has to open their mouth. Tell me u ever been in a fight or road rage or just plain flipped someone off?? If you say no your a liar if u admit it then think about it when to grown men get angry stupid shit happens. And I really dont give a shit if you killed them or not u could have if esculated. I saw a man die from getting hit on the head with a flashlight over a damn parking spot at the track. If you dont like the article keep your sorry ads opinion to yourself it will save your breath. Jackass
DeleteYou are crazy, thats exactly what the preceding article was talking about, you were not driving either vehicle. You are not Tony Stewart and you are not Kevin Ward Jr. so you don't know what each person was thinking, seeing or feeling at the time of the tragic moment. You really should be banned from watching racing with that opion.... you are a jerk!!!!!
DeleteAnonymous doesn't get to have opinions. If you want to put it out there, sign it
DeleteYou are right...enough said. My thoughts and prayers go out to both Tony and the Ward family. May God give them the strength to make it through this unfortunate time.
DeleteIf this idiot with the atittude was anything other than a BS artist, he'd shut his pie hole. He knows not of what he's talking. CARDINAL RULE is you do not get out of your car unless you are on fire or the track is cold, meaning all competition has ceased and cars are shut down.
DeleteTony is hot headed scumbag, that doesn't belong behind the wheel of race car, or street car, the video shows him hitting throttle, car partially slid sideways, jail his ass, poor kid
ReplyDeleteAgain, you do NOT see TS hit the gas; there is absolutely no in car video! All you "hear" is a car engine rev! The video then shows TS car come into the frame. The video also does not show if the Rev we heard was from acceleration or downshifting. Or maybe TS was trying to accelerate past to avoid the situation.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteSprint cars use gas pedals to steer
DeleteHard words for someone not surprisingly publishing under anonymous.
DeleteApparently you didn't understand the purpose of this article. Do NOT pass the blame. There was a tragedy, an accident that occurred and a young man lost his life. The purpose is to remember Kevin for the man that he was and keep all of the families in your thoughts.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteSprint cars have steering wheels. The right wheel is larger to help make the left turns. You can't downshift. They're either in gear or not. I'm not placing judgement on anyone, just know the facts of sprint cars before you make ridiculous comments!
DeleteWow a know it all again
DeleteTony Stewart is a dirt bag he hit the throttle u can hear it if people can't hear it or see it the car was sideways a bit he turned right Stewart is a punk he does it in Nascar to great role model NOT we race weekend and week out and don't have problem seeing that's bogus own up to what u did Stewart
DeleteAnd I assume you function normally everyday in society? How can that be?
DeleteWhere in the does anyone see TS punch the gas? If you watch and listen you would notice TS car in the view of the camera and the motor rev was by the camera which was a long way away from the crash site the camera was zoomed in which is also shown in the video. I agree with the original blog stop blaming and start praying some of you people are heartless POS
DeleteThe kid was foolish to be in a black fire suit and helmet on a dark track.He should of had more sense to stay in his car. Plain and simple.
DeleteAnyone could of hit him and all the Tony Stewart haters are coming out and saying he meant to run him over.
thank you Mason
DeleteJust pray for both sides we soulnt takes sides of blaming anyone
DeleteYea when he hit the gas the cars rear went away fron where he was. You know nothing about racing or how the cars handle so stfu. If you really care asshole learn about how stupid you sound! And I'm not a coward to let people know who I am! P....y
DeleteGod be with all parties involved. It was a freak accident. Help both families get through this.
DeleteI think the only reason Tonys car went to the right was from hitting Kevin with the left front making the car turn. Those things are known for being stable cars. The acceleration you hear is from a car much closer than Tonys probably on the front stretch passing the camera man
DeleteRight rear sorry, I've been drinking
DeleteDude shut up and no what u r talking about before u say it. Tony is a good man and does a lot of deeds. He has been driving since he was young he owns his own dirt tracks. But u already no that since u no everything else about him.
DeleteEvery race I ever took place in has you sign a paper stating you know and will follow track safety. This kid shouldnt have left his car. Im sad he paid with his life but safety guidelines are put in place for a reason
ReplyDeleteAmen!!!!
DeleteUnfortunately, there are no rules in sprint car racing saying that you cannot get out of your car.
Deletethere are track rules and they are stressed at every drivers meeting.. DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR UNTIL AN OFFICIAL HAS CLEARED YOU!!! end of story
DeleteWhat if two other cars bumped each other and one slid into hit Ward? The main point is to stay in your car, anything else is pure stupidity and risking your life. Would you get out and start walking on highway lanes? Only unless you can dodge cars successfully. Good luck. RIP
DeleteAlright you scumbag why don't you go tell his parents and all his friends and family it was his fault. How bout you think about others before you speak
ReplyDeleteWow real mature.
DeleteI agree that was real mature and a stupid comment. His parents have been around racing there whole life and they know that he should not have got out of that car. He made a mistake and unfortunately paid with his life.
Deletehis parents know Damn well he shouldn't have done what he did!
DeleteIf the driver wants to exit the car so be it. They dont need to be baby sat the whole time.of the race. So what he may have got upset. If you were driving down the road and someone ran into you. Wouldnt you get out? The cars were under caution and going slow enough were they could see if there was a person on the track. Also the track has lights so the drivers can see. My prayers go out to the ward family. R.I.P. god speed . Kevin ward. Gone but never forgotten
DeleteThis is a family site. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but please keep the language clean or your comments will be deleted. Thank you for your cooperation.
ReplyDeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteI don't think tony would go out and run over anyone on purpose..it was accident..bad for both families..prayers to both families
ReplyDeleteAll drivers and crew members sign a form waving the rights a normal citizen has while in an event at any race track. If you hit someone on the street it's more than likely going to be man slaughter...This isn't a street, It's a race track where every driver knows the risk and gives his rights away to be on that track. If tony hit him in the pits you would be looking at a criminal case, but he didnt. There is no way to prove tony saw him and tried to scare him. (I'm sure he did btw) but you can't prove it. This will end up being a tragic race accident and that's how it should be filed as. You can say it's tonys fault but if you go back to the start of the problem, that young man made the decision to exit his vehicle on a track full of high powered sprint cars and walk down the racing surface. If he stayed in his vehicle he would be alive to wreck tony next time they raced together. Tony is stupid for not giving him plenty of room but that doesn't make it murder on a race track.
ReplyDeleteIf only these people on here know racing they might actually understand the situation. If you don't know how dirt racing is. Just keep your mouth shut.
DeleteI don't understand how Tony was stupid for not giving him plenty of room. He had the position but did slide or pinch him into the wall. That is a VERY common tactic in dirt track racing especially. When you don't get out of the gas on the outside, this is the type of wreck that occurs. Tony wasn't the first and certainly won't be the last. Tragedy all the way around. If he, if he, if he isn't going to change the outcome.
DeleteJust one thing ... Why put the kid in the wall in the first place... Race on clean & that lap would of never happened......
DeleteAt one point ts was clear briefly they don't run radios so if he cant hear or see the car he thinks he did a perfect slide job and assumes the outside car is going to look for the cross over no eyes in the back of his head...
DeleteThis was posted to FaceBook by an EXPERIENCED DRIVER Not a fan or Wannabe:
ReplyDeleteKevin Briscoe
Thoughts and prayers are with the Kevin Ward family. Last night’s accident from a driver’s perspective: Tony did not do this on purpose and was only trying to avoid Kevin when he saw him at the last moment. You have to look at the whole situation not just that moment. Tony did nothing wrong in the incident the lap before just made a pass like drivers do a 1000 times. Kevin got over the cushion hit the wall and spun. Yes Tony took a lot of track but never hit Kevin a pass that happens every night in a sprint car. Tony has no clue that Kevin had even crashed when he is coming back around the track and has no reason to even be upset because he is unaware who the yellow is even for. Kevin is the very upset because he thinks Tony had crashed him, he gets out of his car with a black uniform and a black helmet. The track is black and not well lit Tony is not expecting someone to be in the middle of the track and sees him at the last moment gases to turn the car to avoid him and accidently hits him. You have to hit the throttle to turn a sprint car quickly. It was an unfortunate accident and was not on purpose. Thoughts and prayers for Tony, his family and friends.
You are the smartest one on here!
DeleteAMEN BROTHER!!!!!
DeleteAbsolutely 100% accurate. AMEN!
DeleteThe guy that says you have to turn a sprint car with the throttle at40 mph under caution is a idiot.
DeleteCorrect you are friend. Rip KWJ. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Ward family, the Stewart family and their respective teams during this terrible time.
DeleteCouldn't have put it any better well said...
DeleteThis is very well said. Thank you for this post. I believe this 100% that is what happened. Keeping both in my prayers. This will be hard on both sides.
Delete100 percent what happened prayers all around
Deletefirst point, I'm not certain Stewart accelerated (the motor revving in the video seems much closer to the grandstand where the camera was filming and not across the track where the tragedy occurred) ... listening to the video, the sound is too close to the camera position to be Stewart.
DeleteSecond point, under caution at approximately 45 mph, the cars are traveling at approximately 66 feet per second ... the black fire suit and helmet together with the poor lighting, and the fact that the cars under caution were coming around a corner (AND a wing up above DOES limit visibility in the corners) ... who knows if Stewart even had more than a split second to see this young man before he hit him? It couldn't have been very long and the time left to react was minimal at best ... the young man wasn't walking toward other cars in front of Stewart, they weren't the ones he was upset with so they didn't have to see him to miss him (even though it appears one or more of the cars swerved as if they were 'surprised' to see him).
3rd point, the 'swerve' to the right Stewart's car appears to make is AFTER the young man is hit -- the car is light weight and we know his body was hit hard (even at a slower speed) due to the distance his body traveled after being hit. there is NO way a car could go perfectly straight after hitting a human body with only one rear tire -- physics would pull the lightweight car around to some degree at the very least -- there is NO evidence that Stewart's car swerved twice as if he had swerved intentionally and then again in a purely mechanical reaction to hitting the young man. ...
sad deal ...
During this instance I don't care about a lot of junk I just read . However I know what I saw and heard on this video clip. I can see a Tony Stewart wanting to prove his point at a person pointing his finger at him. Was Tony trying to hit this young man? Absolutely not. But Tony wasn't about to take any crap from him either. The video and audio shows you blind people what occurred here. Tony's anger issues have finally caught up with him. He will go to jail for the right reasons. Wait and see.
DeleteFirst why would Tony jeopardize his racing career to intentionally hurt someone? It is unfair to the young man who died and to Tony who is dealing with this tragedy for anyone to lay blame. If you have never driven a sprint car how do you know what you can or can't see. I feel it would have been anyone else involved the opinions would be much different. Let these people grieve.
DeleteWell said Claud Hopper .
DeleteOne thing I would like to add which a lot of viewers haven't noticed or seen is . News media or anyone who has seen the video are speculating that Tony gassed His car , swerving on purposing hitting the throwing Kevin Jr . If You watch the video in slow motion You can see Kevin walking towards Tony's car then grabbing onto the wing . in slow motion You can see both of Kevin's hands hanging onto the wing then letting go ( probably couldn't hold on anymore ) then falling to the ground getting sucked under Tony's Right rear tire .
So if You want to narrow it down by steps .
1) Kevin gets out of His car , upset .
2) Kevin wearing a dark or black fire suit in a poorly lit race track at night .
3) Kevin walks toward the center of the track waiting for Tony .
4) Car in front of Tony barely misses Kevin ( which in an interview , is what He said )
5) Tony comes around the corner where accident had occurred , not seeing Kevin .
5b) Right side of the wing is lower which means poor visibility .Front wing smaller but still blocks any type of view on the right .
6) No one is expecting a driver to be in the middle of the track for what ever reasoning .
7) Tony passes Kevin . Kevin attempts to jump on nerf bar , grabbing the wing , trying to hang on .
8) If anyone has seen the inside looking out of a Sprint car . Wing Cage and Safety net blocks or takes away a lot of viewing or clearance.
9) Kevin releases wing whether by choice or hands slip/slipping , falling in front of Right side rear tire , then getting ran over .
There was NO swerving towards or revving or gunning of the engine to Hit Kevin . He wasn't drug or thrown how ever many yards the media has said .
It was a very tragic accident which could have been avoided and a very tragic accident that could had happen to anyone . Just because it was Tony Stewart ( the " Expert Driver " ) is why the media is making such a big deal of it .
I've been a regular driver not race car driver for 30 + years . Doesn't mean I'm a safe free expert who has never been in an accident . It's called an accident for a reason ..
God Bless all those involved
I'm not familiar with dirt track racing or sprint cars...I don't even follow NASCAR racing-- just a mother of kids Kevin Ward grew up with. what I'm wondering is, why did the car slide to the right clipping Kevin? Isn't that indicitive of some sort of conscious action to scare/return the gestures to Kevin? From a lay person's perspective it seemed pretty clear...none of the other cars seemed to "drift" like that... I admit, Kevin had a short fuse and I wish to God this young man I knew personally would have stayed in his car; but it also seems Mr. Stewart acted in a reckless manner as well. I know, I know....no blaming until all the fact are in. I'm just asking for some unbiased info on how these cars work and for someone to help me find a reason to believe this was not an "accidentally on purpose" situation.
ReplyDeleteSprint cars turn with the rear tires, not so much the front like most people are use to. The "stagger" across the rears will actually fight the front wheels from turning. I understand to most people this looks one way and I can't blame people for that the only way to understand is to drive/grow up watching them. I'm my eyes there is not a fault it was a bad mistake from Kevin getting out. I'm sure he didn't think that would have happened and I'm sure Tony wasn't expecting to clip him.
DeletePlease remember that the first car that swerved to avoid the kid blocked Tonys view. Not to mention the large wing dark track dark racing suit and both cars where in the corner on a banked track. He tried to steer away, these cars with the huge tires do not turn without using the motor, tragic and sad and I am so sad for the loss of your extended family
DeleteWhat I posted from Kevin Briscoe is Unbiased fact, He is a former Indiana sprint car champion who has no reason to offer anything but the truth from a drivers perspective
ReplyDeleteGodspeed Kevin...you will be missed and remembered as that cocky mischievious kid who gave all the school staff a run for our money-- looking back, it was a lot of laughs. I won't forget the times you hung out at my house with my boys...that devilish grin and bubbly personality-- I'm sure you all had a lot of fun getting into trouble together!! (Nothing heneous, just good old small town fun.) Those memories will live forever-- not the driver Kevin Ward Jr., but the young man who was more than just a driver...someone's son, someone's little brother...someone's friend. You will be soooo missed.
ReplyDeleteWhen did basic human kindness die? You all better hope hope you are never on either end of this stick. Shame on you!!! A man died, another will be changed forever. I pray that at some point in your lives, you gain a soul.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteYour so right Amen
DeleteI surely didnt mean to lessen the loss! Kevin was a great kid and VERY talented driver. I just cannot stand all the media hype trashing either of them. Godspeed Kevin and may Tony find mental peace as he is not the person everyone thinks judging by his Nascar hype, He DOES care for his fellow racers.
ReplyDeleteThis WHole Post Was About Not Blaming....
ReplyDeleteThen All I See In These Comments Is Blame Being Placed. U All Have An Opinio...Keep It To Urself.... U Are Nobody Ur Opinion Doesnt Matter...Quit Running Ur Yap And Pray For The Parties Involved In This Horrible Situation.
Tony is an asshole seen him in a bar in old forge ny and he was a dick to everyone so he should be punished just like any one else
ReplyDeleteIt was on a race track bub. When you go through those gates, you sign your life away.
DeleteCome from an anonymous post. Computer courage at its finest....
DeleteBecause he wouldn't talk to some asshole in a bar he should be punished for being involved in a tragic accident?
DeleteI have been around race cars my whole life. For anyone to say sprint car steer with the rear is crazy. Yes they have alot of stagger (right rear bigger than the left) that does help them turn under racing conditions and it only help to turn left. There is a steering wheel in these cars and guess what it controls the front tires not the rear.... the cars were under caution and NOT at race speed. For anyone tosay he couldnt steer the car is crazy...
ReplyDeleteAt 50 mph it's hard for a sprint to turn unless using rear tires I drive one do you?
Delete50 mph under caution
DeleteSeems odd that the driver in front of Tony TURNED his steering wheel to avoid Kevin.
DeleteI hope and pray for family and pray tony stewart pray for him that he will been ok
ReplyDeleteStephanie you are right, sometimes it's a split second decision and we are all human...this sport is for adrenaline junkies and is not safe, they are all well aware of this
ReplyDeleteStephanie you are right, sometimes it's a split second decision and we are all human...this sport is for adrenaline junkies and is not safe, they are all well aware of this
ReplyDeletefirst of all condolences to the family, this never should have happened. i have always been a fan of Tony Stewart, he has raced at our local track and he sponsors other sprint cars. i have raced these sprint cars for years and still work on them weekly so i know how they work. i saw the original RAW video put up right after it happened and i saw the video on the news today which was edited and you didn't get to see all of it. as good of a racer TS is he is a hot-head given to angry reactions. TS did swerve toward Ward and "gun it" which makes the rear end kick out to the right in an apparent attempt to throw dirt on Ward. in the raw video you can see this as TS corrects for the slide and hear the engine. visibility was not an issue as the #45 car swerved left to avoid Ward. Tonys actions, be it road rage or not, directly resulted in a death. the first hit to spin out Ward was a racing incident that happens alot but the second action of turning towards Ward and gunning it was not a racing accident but a deliberate act, and while TS was not intentionally trying to kill young Ward, that was the result of his action. there was a in-car Go Pro camera, so now we will see if it is surrendered to the investigation or hidden or destroyed.
ReplyDeleteI am originally from the Canandaigua area and I know Sheriff Povero. As of 3pm, no race team had turned in their Pro Camera, this also includes Tony Stewart's team, if he had a camera.
Deletemany uneducated and literally stupid comments RIP Kevin but to think you herd a car hit the throttle from the video is stupid you were hearing audio from a camera on one side of the track while the accident happened on the other don't you think the audio is from what ever car is closest to the video camera and to turn you slide the rear end around the corner which was were they were at so who with the negative comments on either side was actually there? This is what is wrong with our country point fingers sue and no one is ever in the wrong Lets stop all sports ban them all then no one can ever get hurt or killed better yet ban social media shut down the internet and TV the worl would be a better place since most people who comment don't know the facts or care for that matter they just make uneducated comments
ReplyDeleteToo many couch quarterbacks talking online about something they know nothing about. As I said this morning on my FB page it's best to leave your tongues flat than to flap it and let people see how you really are. Praying for Ward Jr's family and praying for Tony.
DeleteCan't blame anyone till the facts are in. Shitty situation altogether. Prayers to all involved...
ReplyDeleteActually a good portion of steering those winged sprint cars is by throttle, and it is duly noted in the article in motorsports about it. If you notice in the video, it is almost like a gut reaction when the throttle is hit. I am (merely speculating) but I wonder if Tony did not actually see him until to late and first reaction was to steer away. The best way to describe the tight fit with those Winged Sprint Cars is, imagine trying to climb inside your washing machine and close the lid. How much visibility do you have? Each of those drivers wear a 5 or 6 point racing harness. The belts alone are four inches wide. One over each shoulder, one over each hip and one up between the legs. All so snug you cannot move a 1/2 inch in any which direction. All latched together in a center locking chest plate. Then you have a helmet, and not just a regular motorcycle type helmet. You are wearing something that has to be at certain specs. You are also wearing a neck brace under the helmet and your helmet and neck braces are also restrained in their own safety belted way to the roll cage. then your arms, are also restrained to the seat and cage or both. The minimal amount of moving you can do is not much. With winged sprint cars in this class, those cars travel at an average speed of 140mph around that track. During cautions at that track (I did some research on it after my last post) they are still moving an average of 40mph under yellow flag conditions. Now for the non racer think of it this way. You are in your car, driving, it is dark, but there are street lights. You have other cars on the road and they are veering in front of you and around you because there is something in the road ahead. Suddenly someone runs at the side of your vehicle, out of nowhere and they are wearing a mainly all black covering head to toe. What do you do? Each racer that goes out on the track, be it dirt, asphalt, drag-strip, or ever water racing, knows there is a chance you can get hurt. These guys and gals love what they do, so they keep doing it. This was nothing more than a very unfortunate accident, one of which a family has lost a love one, and a much loved and hated celebrity is facing public persecution, and not one of us would have been able to do things differently if put int he same situation. It is clear int he video he is trying to steer away, the back right tire hit the guy. Not the frint tire. Tony was steering away from the object that ran at him while traveling somewhere between 20-40mph. Facts are right there on the video, as sickening as it is to watch. It is a horrible loss and I hope and pray that both the family of Ward Jr. and Tony and his family are able to get past this. I assure you that Tony will not and has not slept easy. Just like when Dale Sr. Died at Daytona, I knew as soon as Kenny looked in the car and walked away that it was a bad deal. Kenny to this day refuses to talk about it. This is and was just a sad fact and outcome of a sport that many love. It was nothing more than a tragic accident.
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to mention the tear offs, or in Tony's case, I am sure he has an automatic roll off mechanism on his helmet face shield, which only clears the small section (2" - 3") directly over your eyes....
DeleteI feel for all involved, I have personally witnessed death by a sprint car hitting a human and it is something that affects you forever even as just a witness. I have even been hit by a race car in the pits where drivers know that there are pedestrians.
I am just adding additional information to help those that are not educated about racing understand visibility issues. I am not placing any blame as this is a very tragic accident and many lives are changed forever. Prayers to all affected, including those that have made very derogatory statements due to not being educated in on-track and in-car conditions. God speed and prayers for healing to all affected.
I drive sprint cars and to read some of the BS people put on here that no NOTHING about our sport or the cars we race and assume he was " Down Shifting" etc. Just reminds me of how many know it all's and small minded individuals we have in this world. I understand Kevin should have stayed in his car but anyone even regular spectators will tell you, It's part of it. I think at one point or another we have all got out of a wrecked race car caused by another driver and expressed our discontent with them. It's part of it. NO, YOU SHOULD NOT GET OUT OF YOUR RACE CAR but we've all been there and done it at some point. This is a unfortunate event. What I can tell you is, Sprint Cars are direct drive. There is no transmission, there is NO down shifting. I'll also point out that under caution, A sprint car idles high enough where the drivers foot isn't even needed on the gas pedal. It will idle around the track on its own so there was never a need what so ever to hit the throttle before or after making contact with Kevin. I'll also clue you in on visibility from a sprint car drivers view... He absolutely could have seen Kevin walking down the track in front of him. What he couldn't see is Kevin once on the side of him (by the right rear tire) That's a blind spot in our cars. Hope that clues people in on the visibility aspect of this matter and clue people in on the revving of Tony's engine and that Sprint Cars do not have transmissions to downshift. Not placing any blame, Trying to inform clueless people a bit on Open Wheel Sprint Car Racing.... Ps. #45 of Chuck Hebing had no problems avoiding Kevin Ward Jr. FYI..... Thoughts and prayers to both Kevin Sr. and his mother Pam Ward as well as Tony Stewart and his family. Tragic mess no matter how you look at it :(
ReplyDeleteYea he had no problem seeing Ward cause he seen Ward get out his car, walk down the track, and TS like you said in idle cause of no gears just in or out. But the thing is, If you say you drive a Sprint car then you should know that most of the time you steer with the tires. You stay on the gas in the turns your gonna just spin out constantly, ive been around dirtrack racing living in charlotte, been to plenty of WoO and have family members race their whole life, TS wasnt on the gas he was idle, didnt see Ward at first, and notice TS had the car ahead of him avoiding Ward but thats what i think caused this, TS looking at the car ahead of him not knowing Ward is on the track and when he finally gets closer to were Ward got spun it was too late. Ward was wearing all black, and was walking in a blind/dark spot, the car ahead of TS slowed down, and thats what TS was paying attention too, and by the time TS knew it, he had already hit em. He gunned the gas to SLIDE it away from him. If TS didnt gun it, then Ward would have ran over and probably dragged till TS stopped. Since your race sprint cars you should know you also turn with the gas. Its just bothers me people blaming TS, and im not blaminh Ward, but #1rule never exit your car, while racing, at night, while WEARING BLACK. Its a terrible tragedy that nobody should go through, but its times like these were anybody and wverybody
Deleteyou are a idiot !! Tony's car did NOT make contact with him the lap before, the other driver slid up over the cushion with his right rear connecting with something you cant see ( maybe wall ) which turned his car hard right to the wall further over, Tony would not have even known what had happened for him to be in the middle of the track in a dark suit & helmet with the back ground of a dark racing surface was not the right thing to do the car in front of stewart had to take evasive action to miss him & stewart was higher up on the track then him, Kevin Briscoe's comment earlier sums it up he is a sprintcar driver. to blame stewart for this is not right
ReplyDeleteI don't put the blame on either one, its racing. When you said that Tony did not hit Kevin's car, Tony actually admitted to Sheriff Povero that he did have an altercation with Kevin on the previous lap.
DeleteI guess Anonymous can't spell his name or else he hasn't got the guts to put it on here no matter who he or she is.as for the events of this article I agree with what was said in this article there is no one person to blame. GOD Bless everyone involved with racing. Rest In Peace and Go with GOD Kevin.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all anyone who says Tony hit that kid on purpose is a fool,the surface is slick,any dirt car not under power doesn't steer worth a damn. I have been going to the races since the 70's spent lots of time in the pits working on cars,so I know what I'm talking about. That being said the accident was Tony's fault in a way, but not just his,any driver you see getting out of a car and Stewart is one of the most guilty of doing this,throwing helmets,gloves,walking down to a line of cars under caution and shaking fist etc. is guilty. Sanctioning bodies like NASCAR that not only allow this behavior with token fines but actually condone it with statements like,"have at it boys." is guilty. Morons that post videos of it on social media are also guilty. That kid was emulating behavior he had seen Stewart and a host of other drivers do in the last 15 years,get out of his car,walk down and try and confront a driver in a car, for christ sakes his heroes have been doing why not him ! Years ago drivers stayed in the car,or with the car,unless it was on fire or in danger of catching, it was safety rule ! Disagreements about accidents were settled after the race usually behind the pit gate,out of eye sight of the spectators,especially the kids ! This started to change since the Donnie Allison/Cale Yarlbough fight and has gotten worse. Big league athletes set an example,for those down the ladder,this is where Tony and others failed.
ReplyDeleteThe video is pretty damning indeed, but I seriously doubt a jury will be able to find TS guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt." That is the burden of proof a prosecutor will need to meet and I don't think it will even be attempted. My two cents.
ReplyDeletethere is no downshifting in sprint cars.
ReplyDeleteThank God we have you to lead us by example, with your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThere are no winners in all of this only losers. One young man is dead and another is irreparably damaged for ever. We live in a society and a reality where we are all accountable for our actions, be them accidental or purposeful. That is why we have terms such as 1st Degree, 2nd degree ,3rd degree man slaughter. We are all accountable for our actions weather intentional or unintential.
ReplyDeleteand there is no crying in baseball
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of you have ever been to Canandaigua much less find it on a map ?
ReplyDeleteTony is a professional racer. He is also a jerk. Normal procedures at any race track when there is a caution is to steer clear and away from the wreck, usually towards the apron if the car is against the wall. Most any other NASCAR driver with Tony's experience would avoid a confrontation with a 20 year old local driver. Drive down to the apron and ignore him. Not Tony. He's being Tony...a jerk
ReplyDeletesorry for the tragedyto both families both men knew they was in the wrong but they did not stop and think how it would turn out ther drenalynwas so high neither one of them stop to think about the outcome of their actions and how it would end.I know I used to race also I have done the same thing that the Kevin done when he get out of his car.we cannot blame anyone .unfortunately it was Kevin'number that was to be called by ourpowerful God upstairs thats how we have to look at it and leave it at prayers and thoughts go out to Kevin's family and friends and also Tony's family and friends hope everybody can go on with your life and still be friends with rice and family.
ReplyDeleteYou know what pisses me off the most the only reason we know about this is because tony stewart is famous when was the last time a soldier that got killed overseas was on the news?
ReplyDeleteI know it sucks someone lost there life but shit happens as a veteran i have had my best friends killed next to me and it didnt make the news but because he is famous every needs to know
DeletePrayers to Kevin's family and to Tony Stewart. This was a horrible and tragic accident....ACCIDENT....period. No matter anyone's opinion.....two families are in pain.....my heart goes out to everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteto think Tony did this on purpose is absolutey crazy....why? these guy meet in the garage afterwords and are like family? yeah they compete on the track but when its over its over. This is borderline funny some of these comments, NO driver at any level would ever intentionaly KILL another driver, period
ReplyDeleteWow 99% of you read this article and then went on to continue placing blame anyway. Way to totally miss the point.
ReplyDeleteTo say that Tony Stewart purposely hit Kevin Ward is like those idiots that said Sterling Marlin killed Dale Earnhardt Sr., absurd! Life is precious, and way too short. This is a sport that people go into knowing they could be killed. Why are there huge barriers and fences to protect spectators, why do drivers wear fireproof suits, helmets, and the Hans device.
ReplyDeleteMany peoples life's are now changed forever. Opinions are just that - opinions. They are not right or wrong. They are just someone's thoughts based on what they may or may not know. A young man's life was cut short. Put your energy towards those loved ones that have suffered loss instead of trying to express your "opinion". Is it always about you?
ReplyDeleteFirst thing we should all realize is that last night's events were written long before our time. Unfortunately Kevin's parents were destined to lose their son before they were even born, and so were mine. Who would have known? So what is the point of assigning blame or judgement? What good purpose will it serve? We should focus on the lessons to be learned from all perspectives.
ReplyDeleteThe second thing that people will realize in the coming days, months and years is how much love and compassion exists in the racing community. Whether it be a love for the sport, the adrenaline, for a particular driver, a favorite racing venue or just a respect for every single person that puts effort into what it takes to get a car through a race and a track raceable.
Hundreds of people I had never met stood in a freezing cold rain for hours on the 5th day of January because a member of the racing family was lost. Many of those people had never met my brother who tragically left us but they were part of the racing community and they had love and compassion to share. I know there will be the same pouring out for the Ward family.
We must keep that love and compassion in the forefront for everyone involved last night. Share nothing but love and compassion for Kevin's family whose life will never be the same. Their lives were just turned upside down. Respect their hearts and personal lives. May the Lord give them strength.
Don't forget about every single race fan who was in attendance last night that witnessed something horrific. I pray they do not lose their love for the sport and continue to go to races and support that oh so special racing family and Canandaigua Motorsports Park, a place many of us can call home.
Now we also must not show anything but love and compassion for Tony Stewart. I've learned that most "hot heads", as I have seen him labeled, are only hot on the surface. They too long for love and compassion like the rest of us. Ending a life does not sit well inside anyone and it will take major healing for him to overcome this as well. I will be praying for you Tony.
Now I'm at a loss for words, maybe I got it all out. Normally I go to the track if I'm home on the weekend but yesterday the Lord did not place any desire in my heart to be there. Now I know why, watching the world beat this up on the internet is bad enough. God is good, even in the most terrifying ways.
Obviously my post was written on Sunday 8/10/14.
ReplyDeleteI would like to express my gratitude to the writer (Stephanie Stuart) for changing the face of SOCIAL MEDIA!! Your story lifted me up and exemplifies COMPASSION instead of JUDGEMENT!! This is precisely what it takes to change social media today (one uplifting story at a time)! As a member of the racing community for the past 25 years I THANK YOU for putting your words out there in a positive, compassionate, and empowering way! Thank You Stephanie Stuart
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCompassionate is the only way we should be! Amen
DeleteSprint cars do in fact drift when they turn. Watch an entire race and you can see that pretty clearly.
ReplyDeletePeople who post as Anonymous are afraid to put their names to their comments. If you can't identify yourself, keep your opinions to yurself!
ReplyDeleteYourself
DeleteNo one has the right to judge either side, that God' s job. Are any of you on here God? I think not. Both sides , as you call then, need prayers not this B/S. My the Ward family find the peace to go on without their beloved son, Kevin and May the Stewart family find peace with this tragity . After all this doesn't affect just Tony, he has a family too. Prayers of healing to all
ReplyDeleteSomeone touched on the fact that the car in front of Tony's almost hit Kevin and had to cut to the left to avoid hitting him. If it were anyone else driving the car behind him, this news story would have been mentioned in the sports section and not the front page. Was an unfortunate accident.
ReplyDeleteGreat post by Jamie Rauscher
ReplyDeleteI just feel it is such at shame that at such a tragic time for both parties that people are saying the things they are. Out of respect for all involved give it rest and let the authorities handle this horrible accident and decide how to move forward. We should all keep both of these families in prayer and ask that some kind of comfort be given to all of them to get through such trying times.
ReplyDeleteI have been around Tony Stewart also and he was not real friendly then either but he had just raced 2 races that day. He's only human and i'm sure he was tired. He doesn't deserve all this negative feed back.
ReplyDeletehere in NYS we had an incident recently where an 8yo riding his bike in the road was hit and killed. The driver was not charged with murder or with any kind of violations. In PA a friend driving on a back road hit and killed a pedestrian, he was not charged. Neither one of these driver's purposefully killed the other individual. ACCIDENTS happen. No one is to blame in a true accident.
ReplyDeletelisten up, unless you are a driver you have no idea what happened here. you all saw u saw. you will all make ur comments n that's ok but only tony knows what really happened n ward I feel sorry for both parties, I feel bad for the family and friends of both and lots of prayers go to both.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, who else finds it ironic that the article was about social media and being too quick to assign blame and then the comments section contains dozens and dozens of vitriolic posts assigning blame to one party or another??? The comments sections of virtually all internet articles and blogs are now enough to lose faith in the direction of humanity. A 20-year old died, there is no black and white explanation, and all parties involved will live with this forever.
ReplyDeleteThere are NO WINNERS in this tragedy! EVERYBODY loses.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteGODSPEED KEVIN WARD JR. AND PLEASE PEOPLE JUST PRAY FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIEND'S. I LOST MY DAUGHTER IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT, KEVIN'S FAMILY NEED'S SUPPORT RIGHT NOW AND LOVE NOT ALL THIS CRAP YOU PEOPLE ARE SAYING HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR HIS FAMILY. PEOPLE. YOU ALL SOUND JUST LIKE TONY STEWART. DUMB.
ReplyDeleteThere's another side to this, guys.....as a chaplain at a NASCAR sanctioned track I see all kinds of behavior, and there's a specific rule in our rulebook prohibiting drivers from getting out of a stopped car on the track (unless it's an urgent situation such as a fire in the car). You do it here and it's a loss of points, prize money, and $500 fine. There's a reason why many tracks have similar rules - it's not safe. With all due respect to Kevin Ward and his family, this is a very teachable moment for drivers of all ages about why these rules exist. I realize that it's impossible to look at this side without blaming Ward, but if doing that allows another young driver to think before he acts and be able to go home at the end of the night with his family I would argue that it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteObviously very few people here have a lot of direct knowledge of a sprint car. First, there is no downshifting in a sprint car. It is direct drive from motor to rear end with a shaft running between your legs. Personally having driven and raced them, you have to rev the engine or get it to a certain RPM to pop it out of gear. Also since it is direct drive, if the accelerator you here is in fact from Tony Stewart, you would see an immediate change in speed, since these cars tend to jump forward when you hit the gas. Not taking either side, but I know myself would never and did not leave my car, even when upside down until safety crews arrived. It is a horrible tragedy for sure, and lives will be changed from this. Also, the right side of a sprint car gives the least visibility of any side, and especially the right side coming out of a corner.
ReplyDeleteIf tony is found that he did gunn his car and did in fact bump the young driver not meaning to kill him just bump him then what?
ReplyDeleteOMG SHUT THE HECK UP EVERYONE...!!!!! Someone please take this blog off ... blame or no Blame I don't give a damm TONY is a professional driver and the " KID " knows the risks PERIOD !!!
ReplyDeleteAccidents happen on race tracks all the time ... enough of this crap JUST pray for both families and move on .....
Did anyone actually READ this article???!!!! You are ALL idiots!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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