Tony Stewart hits and kills fellow racer

They have repeatedly stated that the investigation is ongoing and there is no timeline as long as new information comes in. In the news story I saw, they said they had completed review of two videos, both from fans, so it sounds like they hadn't reviewed his GoPro yet (as of a few hours ago).

 

Povero Monday update: Autopsy reveals massive blunt trauma; investigation still ongoing | MotorSportsTalk

ongoing, sure, but it's pretty rare for the police to investigate something, say it's not criminal after full cooperation of the "suspect", having multiple videos of the incident, and then later decide to prosecute.

 

that means they are considering pursuing criminal charges

 

Sprint cars do not have 2 way radios. It is 1 way from race control to drivers.

 

lol. do they elect Sheriffs in NY?

 

I race. I don't think under yelllow caution does anything but help TS. Under yellow you can't pass other cars and you hold relative station to the ahead and behind. There is no speed limit. You back out of the gas relative to those around you so that you do not create a second incident. The rhythm of the race is destroyed and new uncertainty has been imposed when the yellow is thrown. You are looking all over the track to find the incident. Thus there is even more confusion than usual while holding a race position. Being under yelllow is just as dangerous if not more than racing 10/10ths. The last thing a racer expects is a black suited black helmet driver standing in the racing line on a dark dirt track at night. While this is an extremely unfortunate incident not good for racing, Darwin has spoken. These are pros and pros should know to stay in your car unless it is on fire. We learn that in HPDE 101.

 

That's the article I saw. The second to the last paragraph is where they state that they only reviewed 2 videos (which is only one more than all of us have reviewed). Their second video is also from a spectator, so it probably is poor quality also. If they have the GoPro, that should shed a lot of light because of its proximity and the video quality should be a million times better.

I'm not at all suggesting there is anything criminal to see, but I would say an investigation based upon 2 low-res videos is pretty preliminary if a GoPro video exists.

 

Preach it brother!!!

 

You and incognito know more about what radio systems they run in Sprint cars than I do. Does that mean that he could not possibly have been running a 2-way radio? Of course, even if he was, it doesn't mean he said anything. Or that it was recorded (although, whoever would have been listening would also have to stay mum).

But, if he wasn't it also doesn't prove that he wasn't thinking something along those lines. It just means that we won't have any contemporaneous evidence from him at the time of the incident. Unless he blurts something out at some point against his interest.

CW

 

I don't disagree that there can be more chaos under a caution at times. But, do you disagree with my characterization of a caution?

CW

 

A question: In this day and age, why wouldn't there be GoPro's in every car? When you race all the time, you probably aren't going to watch the videos after every race, but I would imagine most drivers would have GoPros recording so that, if there is an incident, they can review what happened and support their case with the video if they need to.

 

I am sure you are just playing hypotheticals here. But all of your posts come off as though you are on a witch hunt for TS. No matter what another poster comments, you flip it to try to blame TS for the incident. I don't know if that is your intention, but that is the tone I have gotten from reading your posts on this subject.

 

It appears that the ignorant are wanting Tony's scalp when in reality Mr. Ward holds 99% of the blame simply based on his actions, lets grow a pair and focus on the facts.

 

Not on a witch hunt at all. Personally, I have nothing against the guy. And, frankly, I think it would have to be awfully hard to be him right at this moment. But, there are a quite a few who've already concluded X, Y or Z. I'm just pointing out that it may not be so clear cut.

Just understand that a plaintiff's attorney is going to be building a case on the same basic theories, and this is how it may be postured to a jury.

It's not good for the sport. It's not good for him. And, it's certainly not good for Ward or his family.

CW

 

Oh, please...

No one is calling for anyone's scalp here. If anything, I think the conclusion is that TS will not be prosecuted. Or, if he is, depending on what he's charged with, unless there's more evidence, there's a very strong likelihood that he would be acquitted.

But, saying he's 1% to blame is very low. I think a jury could see it differently.

CW

 

Understood. Just hope you also see that some may draw conclusions from your posts on this topic.

I hope for all involved that TS is found to not be at fault. I think that would be best for all parties involved, Ward's family included. While a payday would help, I think having the closure would be better, and not feeling like there is a guilty man out there walking the streets.

IMO I don't think there is much TS could have done. From the video it looks like the car in front of TS swerves to avoid ward at the last second, leaving TS with very little time/room to react.

I don't follow NASCRAP so I have no real opinion of TS, nor do I have any background in racing. But I just can't imagine trying to live with the fact that I caused someone else to die. I hope for everyone's sake that TS is found to not be at fault, and everyone can have closure and move on.

 

Contradiction, that's a funny word isn't it?

 

It's usually against the rules. They don't want people "radio racing" and blocking. No mirrors either.

 

huh?

 

Keep up or fold, Honey!

Please just let me have this moment?

 

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

CW

 

no, I seriously did not understand what you were talking about.

 

I think mr2 believes it is contradictory of me to say that I am not calling for TS' head, when all I've been doing is arguing that he's possibly culpable to some large degree.

But, maybe I'm putting words in his mouth?

CW

 

Sorry, to anyone that has raced, it is very clear cut. You do not get out of your car unless it's on fire or a marshall tells you to. The reason is evidenced by this situation. 100% Ward's fault.