It is crazy to think that Tony Stewart killed Kevin Ward with any malevolent intent. It is also crazy the think that a sport that exists on the edge such as racing could go extended periods without costing someone his or her life. Tony is well known for racing whenever given the chance and he loves returning to his roots to race sprints. If you are not familiar with sprints you need to watch a race before making any judgements. Of all the different categories of automotive racing it is probably the most exciting and out of control segment.
Tony has raced in sprints, open wheel and NASCAR where he is widely recognized as being one of, if not the, most talented drivers of his time. Fact of the matter is, racing is dangerous. It is beyond belief that many types have become as safe as they have. Since the death of Dale Earnhart there have been many advances in driver protection technology but the fact is that racing can never be safe because of the constant search for the limits of car and driver.It is tragic, the death of Kevin Ward, but not improbable. His best chance for safety was to stay in the car until the racers were under caution. Had he remained in his car instead of running out on the track to confront Tony he would be alive today.
There will be some acknowledgements, not the least of which will be that racing is inherently dangerous. Maybe some rule changes but it also has to be recognized that rules can't exist to cover every contingency. Stewart is disconsolate but alive, Kevin Ward is dead and will be soon forgotten. However, Stewart will carry this onus for the rest of his life. Temperamental though Stewart may be he does possess a heart capable of sorrow and concern.
We will grieve and then line up next Saturday night or Sunday and race.
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