Warning graphic video: Angry racing driver steps on track, gets killed
A graphic video has been uploaded online on Sunday (Aug 10) of a dirt racing driver getting run down by his fellow driver after he stepped out onto the track.
Kevin Ward Jr, stepped out of his car and onto the track, after his car was clipped by another car.
He is seen gesturing angrily towards the car that apparently clipped him, as he was suddenly run over by it.
Ward was then taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the car that ran over Ward is three-time National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (Nascar) champion Tony Stewart.
The fatal crash occurred late Saturday night (Aug 9) at the Canandaigua Motorsports Park, about 40 km southeast of Rochester, New York according Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero.
Entrance to the Canandaigua Motorsports Park on August 10, 2014 in Canandaigua, New York/ Photo: AFP
Sheriff Povero said that they were investigating the death of the 20-year-old racer said they had not found so far any evidence of criminal intent in Saturday’s incident and that Stewart was cooperating with authorities.
“At this very moment, there are no facts in hand that would substantiate or support a criminal charge, or indicate criminal intent on the part of any individual,” Sheriff Povero told a news conference on Sunday.
“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.”
Withdrew from a Nascar race
Earlier in the day, the 43-year-old Stewart withdrew from Sunday’s high-profile Nascar Sprint Cup Series but only after a storm of criticism on social media when a team official told reporters that Stewart was proceeding with “business as usual.”
Sanctioning body for the motosport Nascar, which was not involved in the racing event on Saturday, endorsed Stewart’s withdrawal.
Nascar has grown into one the most popular sports in the United States, overseeing more than 1,200 races that are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 languages.
Known for his tempestuous behavior, Stewart has occasionally got into fights with others drivers, including a shoving match with Joey Logano at the Auto Club 400 Nascar Sprint Cup race in Fontana, California, last year.
Stewart began his racing career on dirt tracks and enjoys going back to his roots, despite the modest pay compared to the high-profile and big-money Nascar circuit.
Source: Reuters
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now