Many of you will wake up to the incomprehensible news that Tony Stewart was responsible for the death of a fellow racer last night. It’s true. But you need to know the whole story – or at least as complete as it is at 5 a.m. ET, when I write this.
There is no denying that the death Saturday night of 20-year-old sprint car driver Kevin Ward, Jr., killed when he was struck by the right rear tire of a sprint car driven by NASCAR star Tony Stewart, is a tragedy almost beyond comprehension.
His team released a brief statement, but it is generic and probably vetted by lawyers: “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.”
Making it so much worse is the excruciating contention, repeated literally hundreds of times last night on social media, that Stewart swerved into Ward intentionally.
According to a video of the incident, Stewart was inside the young Empire Super Sprint driver going into turn two of Canandaigua Speedway in upstate New York. Stewart drifted high, and Ward, running out of room, touched the outside wall, spinning completely one time, and coming to a stop pointing in the wrong direction, his right rear tire flat.
He climbed from his car, and began striding down the track, obviously looking for Stewart, whose car was approaching at a reduced speed under the caution flag, but still traveling at perhaps 40 mph. Ward was pointing a finger at Stewart’s car and moved toward it.
It appears Stewart saw him at the last second, and swerved, but still hit Ward hard enough to toss him like a rag doll at least 20 feet down the track. An autopsy is pending, but it seems likely Ward suffered a broken neck, though he still had his helmet and head restraint device on, but the device only works when you are strapped into your car. Stewart stopped about a hundred feet down the track. Emergency workers were there in second. Indeed, Stewart may have hit the gas, but you steer sprint cars with the throttle more than with the steering wheel. The idea that he accelerated trying to hit Ward is beyond the pale.
How could this happen?
I have driven winged sprint cars, and as you can imagine, visibility to the side is horrible. Ward was wearing a mostly black fire suit and a black helmet. The idea that any driver would purposely hit another over what was a comparatively minor, that’s-racing incident is hard to swallow. That Tony Stewart would do it on purpose? That is unthinkable.
There are so many sad coincidences here that the mind reels. This is the same track where, just over one year ago, Stewart sparked a 17-car collision that sent two drivers to the hospital, including a 19-year-old female racer.
And just a few days ago, it was the one-year anniversary of Stewart’s own crash in a 360-cubic-inch sprint car identical to the one he was driving Saturday night, breaking his leg so severely in two places that he had to miss the rest of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
Let me correct one thing I just said: The car Stewart was driving Saturday night was fitted with several safety features that Stewart helped develop, based on his crash and the death of three sprint car drivers last year, including NASCAR driver Jason Leffler. Those safety features included tethers similar to the ones used in IndyCar, and a re-enforced tunnel for the torque tube, which is essentially a driveshaft that runs between the driver’s legs. That tube rupturing is what injured Stewart. He told me earlier this year that if anything good came from his crash that — like it did when the death of Dale Earnhardt occurred – safety innovations were developed that have likely saved other driver’s lives.
And a final irony is that Saturday night, 820 miles due west from Canandaigua, New York, the biggest sprint car race of the year was being held – the Knoxville Nationals, in Knoxville, Iowa, featuring all the World of Outlaws sprint car stars, and the top drivers from other series. The feature there was just about to get rolling when Stewart’s accident occurred. The winner of the Knoxville Nationals, for the eighth time – Donny Schatz, who drives for team owner Tony Stewart. In fact, Stewart was in Knoxville earlier this week, cheering on his team, which also includes soon-to-retire sprint car legend Steve Kinser.
Why does Stewart do it?
After Stewart’s own crash, he took a lot of criticism about how someone of his stature should not be racing sprint cars – that so many employees and sponsors depended on him, that he simply shouldn’t participate in something so dangerous. Some of those people will be waiting for a respectful time to pass before they say, “I told you so.” Others won’t even wait that long.
Stewart said that of all the types of cars he has driven, winged sprint cars were the most challenging, and that he needed to challenge himself. Some of his fellow drivers understood, others did not.
Not long ago, I asked NASCAR driver Greg Biffle – who, like Stewart, came up racing on short tracks – what he thought of the fact that a healed-up Stewart had said that he was about to go back to sprint car racing.
**HEARTBREAKING NEWS: NASCAR Driver Found Dead Yesterday Due to Tragic Circumstances**
The world of NASCAR was plunged into sorrow and disbelief yesterday with the sudden and tragic death of one of its beloved drivers, Mark Stevens. The 34-year-old racing sensation was discovered lifeless in his North Carolina home, sending shockwaves through the racing community and leaving fans devastated.
Mark Stevens, known for his fearless driving style and charismatic personality, had been a prominent figure in NASCAR for over a decade. His untimely passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow drivers, teams, and fans, all mourning the loss of a talented athlete who made an indelible mark on the sport.
Details surrounding Stevens’ death have not been officially disclosed by authorities, but sources close to the investigation indicate that it may have been due to a tragic accident. Speculation within the racing community and media has focused on a potential medical emergency or an unforeseen event at his residence.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mark Stevens’ journey to NASCAR stardom was a testament to his passion and dedication to racing. From a young age, he showed a natural aptitude for speed and competition, eventually rising through the ranks of local circuits to earn a spot in NASCAR’s elite series.
Throughout his career, Stevens endeared himself to fans not only for his skill behind the wheel but also for his accessibility and genuine interactions with supporters. He was known for taking time to engage with fans at races, signing autographs, and participating in charitable events that endeared him to the NASCAR community.
News of Stevens’ death spread swiftly through social media and racing news outlets, eliciting an immediate and heartfelt response from those who had followed his career. Tributes poured in from NASCAR teams and drivers, who remembered him for his competitive spirit on the track and his kindness off it.
“He was a fierce competitor and a true gentleman of the sport,” remarked fellow driver and longtime friend, Jason Reed, struggling to contain his emotions during a press conference. “Mark was someone who always pushed the limits on the track but had a heart of gold outside of it. We will miss him dearly.”
As the NASCAR community grapples with the shock of losing one of its own, questions linger about the circumstances surrounding Stevens’ death. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause, promising a thorough examination to provide clarity to his family, friends, and fans.
Meanwhile, tributes have begun to pour in from racing fans around the world, many of whom have placed memorials at racetracks and online platforms in honor of Stevens’ memory. The atmosphere at NASCAR events has been somber, with moments of silence and dedications marking races in remembrance of his contributions to the sport.
In the wake of this tragedy, there has been renewed discussion within the NASCAR community about the importance of driver safety and well-being. The intense pressures and risks associated with professional racing underscore the need for comprehensive support systems and awareness initiatives to safeguard athletes’ health both on and off the track.
Mark Stevens’ legacy will endure through the memories he created on the racetrack and the lives he touched beyond it. As NASCAR mourns the loss of a talented driver and cherished member of its community, the sport vows to honor his memory and uphold the values of camaraderie and sportsmanship that he embodied.
As investigations continue and the racing world reflects on the impact of his passing, one thing remains certain: Mark Stevens’ passion for racing and his contributions to NASCAR will be remembered for years to come. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his dedication to the sport he loved.
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