Dirt track incident results in death

CANANDAIGUA—A racing incident at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, Saturday night, Aug. 9, resulted in a fatality when Kevin Ward Jr. was struck by the car of Tony Stewart.
In a video posted online in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 10, Ward Jr. spun exiting a corner after close contact with Stewart. His car sat disabled on the track after hitting the wall and spinning around one and a half times. Ward Jr. then left his car and walked further onto the track pointing at the approaching cars that included Stewart. As Stewart’s car passed, Ward Jr. was struck, entangled and pulled down by the rear tire of Stewart’s car. He was carried at least four car lengths before being thrown to the side of the track according to the video.
The injuries Ward Jr. sustained were fatal.
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to review video and other evidence as well as conduct interviews and also wait for the results of the autopsy,” said Ontario County Sheriff Philip C. Povero.  “There are no charges pending at this time. Again, this is right now being investigated as an on-track crash, and I don’t want to infer that there are criminal charges pending.”
Stewart did not race at Watkins Glen International, Sunday, Aug. 10.
“There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr.,” Stewart said in a statement.  “It’s a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I’ve decided not to participate in today’s race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy.”