After watching the racing incident that sparked the situation it appeared to be just that a racing incident. Tony went under and in front of the other car and drifted up into it.....that happens and it's expected to happen IMO.
Whether Tony intentionally or accidentally contacted the driver is unknown at this point.
From my perspective the other driver committed a major safety violation and paid the ultimate price for it.......right or wrong.
It was said by Ricky Craven this AM that racing organizations will probably react swiftly because of this tragic accident and restrict drivings from exiting their cars until safety workers are present unless on fire...
What's the first thing they tell you at track days: STAY IN YOUR CAR! When is it OK for pros to walk around on the track, during a caution or not?
What's the first thing they tell you at track days: STAY IN YOUR CAR! When is it OK for pros to walk around on the track, during a caution or not?
Can't say without seeing in car camera. Apparently Stewarts car had a GoPro on it. If that's the case and it wasn't tampered with it should give a pretty good idea.
I pitted on a dirt track team for three years and there's no way in hell I'd get out of a car and do that. Adrenaline and tempers run high in that environment.
What a tragedy for both drivers. It seems both parties could be culpable in the incident. More will come out I'm sure.
I think the motor sports groups will act quickly and restrict drivers from exiting unless its a safety issues. I'm surprised this hasn't happened already.
I dont know how Steward could race today, accountable for the accident or not. If there was any intent that will be between him and God. He will have to this with this for the rest of his life, regardless.
I agree with a prior comment, that he should sit out just out of respect to the family plus he will have things to sort out of his own and if he isn't 100% focused he is a potential safety risk to the other drivers out there.
Sieg watching the vid, do you think Stewart could've taken a lower line on the track like the other drivers when Ward was walking toward him?
not a chance, if you have ever raced dirt if you had to make a spit second decision it would have to be a few seconds before the car would react and it took a few seconds for Kevin to walk 5 feet. At the speed Steward was going he didn't have a chance to change directions. That might have been the reason for his throttle up.
Looking at the video, it appears Tony was coming out of the turn and the 45 car would have blocked his view of Kevin until the last minute. They said on the news that he hit him with the right rear tire which sticks out quite a ways. Maybe Tony jumped on the gas to try to shoot past him when he finally saw him. I'm all for giving Tony the benefit of the doubt until we hear what he has to say. With regards to the on-board Go-Pro, what the camera sees may not necessarily be what the driver sees.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
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