Publications
Partners
NEW YORK, USA - US authorities found "no criminal behaviour" on racing driving Tony Stewart's part but will continue their investigation into the bizarre incident in which he struck and killed driver Kevin Ward Jnr.
Stewart, one of the most popular drivers in America's Nascar stock car circuit, ploughed into 20-year-old Ward Jnr during a non-Nascar race on a dirt track at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in New York on August 9 2014.
Ontario County Sheriff spokesman told reporters on Monday (Aug 11): "At this time there are no facts that exist that support any criminal behaviour or conduct or that any probable cause of a criminal act in this investigation."
MORE FOOTAGE NEEDED
The spokesperson said they have interviewed Stewart and several others who witnessed the incident and they say Stewart, who was unhurt, has been co-operative. He told reporters they are looking for more video footage of the crash as part of their ongoing investigation and that they already have two videos of the incident.
The spokesperson said: "We are seeking persons outside that are familiar with racing that can help us review and analyze these tapes to hopefully fully understand the crash."
Meanwhile, the 43-year-old driver, who missed Sunday's Nascar Sprint Cup Series race at the Watkins Glen International track, has withdrawn from a second non-Nascar race Saturday (August 16) in Plymouth, Indiana.
CANCELLED RACES
Race officials said: "We at Plymouth Speedway extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Kevin Ward Jnr, and thoughts and prayers to Tony Stewart and his family. Stewart will NOT be racing at Plymouth Speedway this Saturday."
There is no word yet from Stewart's team, Stewart-Haas Racing, on whether he will compete in a Nascar race at the Michigan International Speedway on Sunday (August 17). The incident occurred near Turn 2 at the halfway point of a 25-lap Super Sprint Features dirt race.
Stewart first bumped Ward's car and knocked it out of the race. On his next lap Stewart's vehicle collided with Ward, who had climbed out of his car and was walking down the track pointing his finger in the direction of Stewart. As the car passed by Ward it appeared to rev and then fishtail, hitting Ward and dragging him along the track.
An autopsy was performed on the body which showed Ward died of massive blunt force trauma.
Ward, of Port Leyden, New York, began competing in kart racing at age four in 1998. He began sprint car racing in 2010 and won his first career sprint car feature in June 2011.
HOT-HEADED STEWART
Stewart, who is a multi-millionaire, is part owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, whose drivers include Danica Patrick. Despite his success, he continues to compete in non-Nascar races on small and dirt tracks across America against drivers of varying talent levels and ages, including some in their teens.
The hard-headed Stewart has a history of dust-ups with other drivers. Two years ago after a crash he walked onto a track at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee and threw his helmet at Matt Kenseth's car.
When Stewart competed in an event at Canandaigua in July 2013, he caused a crash that involved 15 drivers.
In Fontana, California in 2013, Stewart stormed down pit road and got into a fist fight with Joey Logano, whom he accused of trying to block him.
