Triple NASCAR champion Tony Stewart speaks of 'sadness' after killing driver Kevin Ward Jr on racetrack

Tony Stewart said: “There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel” after his car hit Kevin Ward Jr killing the 20-year-old driver.

15:50 11 August 2014

Kevin Ward Jr died on Saturday night after he was run over by triple NASCAR champion Tony Stewart during a sprint car race in Canandaigua, New York. 

 

Stewart has broken his silence and releases a statement saying:  'There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. 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,'

 

The two drivers collided on the track during the race. Ward Jr got out of his car and angrily approached Stewart’s vehicle as the racers were warned to slow down on their next lap on the short track. Passing again, Stewart’s car then hit Ward Jr and the 20-year-old was later pronounced dead. 

 

The track canceled the remainder of the Empire Super Sprints slate within five minutes of the incident. 

 

Meanwhile, Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero said that Stewart had been very cooperative in the investigation. 

 

'This is right now being investigated as an on-track crash and I don't want to infer that there are criminal charges pending,' Povero said. 'When the investigation is completed, we will sit down with the district attorney and review it. But I want to make it very clear: there are no criminal charges pending at this time.'