Hey I think I'm agreeing with you in that criminal charges could and probably will be brought. But I do think there are a lot of factors involved and the DA will have to think long and hard about if the state can prove their case. What I thought at first glance were obvious criminal charges because knowing what we know about Stewart, I figured he was trying to scare Ward and ended up hitting him . . . which would result in criminal charges. But Stewart is playing the I didn't see him till last second thing, and Denny has a point that it could be hard to prove Stewart saw him.
I didn't see him so I gunned it in the dark?????? Hmmmmmm I don't think any racer that walks out pissed like that is too bright, but I would probably do the same thing :/ Charges or not, Stewart should retire from racing.
Re: Tony Stewart hits walking driver with sprint car, witnesses say Last time I paid attention the stars were A.J. Foyt, Unser, and the new guy Mario Andretti. I just watched on TV. A friend took me to Fontana (why did they close that?) a couple of times and raced his dad's Beetle against hot street cars. He held his own in the first couple of gears. I think racers now feel encouraged to vent anger. Back then all males learned their adult personality in the military, and adhered to being the strong silent type the rest of their lives. Thus the hippie cultural revolution.
One explanation out there for why he hit the gas was that sprint cars do that to steer. Another thing they were checking was the dirt. He may have walked too low and was not able to get back up due to loose dirt. Hopefully this is the end of people trying to attack moving vehicles. At the least, hopefully no one ever tries it again on a dirt tract or sprint race.
The footage that was updated to youtube was from a fan. I'm sure the track officials have video from several angles. I expect they'll review the footage and determine intent from both sides, Ward and Stewart. Then they'll possibly press charges if it is warranted. If that is the case, then I expect they'll have a criminal case first and a civil case after that.
I think the sanctioning race organization should be sued to high hell for not having rules in place to keep drivers from running across the track. The should be required to either stay in the vehicle or exit to the closest edge of the track (inside or outside) without any movements in the opposite direction.
Ever seen those cars race? You have to hit the gas to swerve left. It kinda looked to me like he tried to slap or grab the wing. Regardless, the kid was an arrogant, spoiled little prick who in no way deserved to die, but who died as a result of his own actions. Tony Stewart is an arrogant, spoiled little prick who accidentally killed someone, and he's going to have to live with that for the rest of his life.
