[Magnificent Geoffrey]

NASCAR champion Tony Stewart, infamous for some hot-headed actions during his career, was involved in an incident at a Sprint car race (not a NASCAR event) in New York last night ahead of racing in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen today.

Stewart was involved in an on-track accident with 17-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr that put Ward out of a race while Stewart continued. Ward Jr climbed out of the car and walked towards the racing line to express his anger towards Stewart. As Stewart’s car passed the scene of the accident, Ward was struck by Stewart.

Despite immediate medical attention, latest reports are that Ward was declared dead on arrival in hospital. Tony Stewart is apparently cooperating with Police who have begun investigating the incident.

Via ESPN

BREAKING: Driver hit by #TonyStewart pronounced dead on arrival, according to Ontario County Sheriff. pic.twitter.com/57H3znBfJ0

— FOX59 News (@FOX59) August 10, 2014

Just received Ontario County Sherriff's Office press release from Tony Stewart incident at Canandaigua Speedway. pic.twitter.com/Y94ASP1htK

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) August 10, 2014

Driver Tony Stewart struck is dead. Stewart questioned and released. Was 'fully cooperative'. Investigation at this time not criminal.

— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) August 10, 2014

[SP]

Bad decision on Ward’s part to get out of his car before the pack had been picked up by the pace car. Sprint cars are 900hp beasts with a better power to weight ratio than an F1 car. Not to mention the massive tyre stagger on the right rear for dirt oval racing.

[Keith Collantine]

Statement from NASCAR:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 10, 2014) – “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow competitors of Kevin Ward Jr. We support Tony Stewart’s decision to miss today’s race and we will continue to respect the process and timeline of the local authorities and will continue to monitor this situation moving forward.”

[Author]

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