Originally Posted by
Chicago 1995
I've watched the video, and a couple of counterpoints to the coalescing consensus herein:
(1) I don't see anything in the video that seems to show Stewart trying to swerve out of the way;
(2) The gap between Stewart and the car in front of him was much greater than many of the media reports seem to imply;
(3) Tony doesn't seem to have slowed down as much as the two cars that go past Ward well in front of Tony.
That video, for me, isn't enough to say accident. If anything, the video makes a strong case for a manslaughter/negligent homicide charge in my mind. My best guess? Tony wanted to show the kid up and throw some dirt on him with his rear end.
Question: were they under yellow? Seems like it.
As for Ward leaving his car, obviously it was a dangerous, thoughtless mistake. But let's also remember that Ward learned that from guys like Tony Stewart. It happens in NASCAR somewhat regularly - albeit on a different surface with better traction. Let's not act like Wars was a complete wildcard doing what he did. Tony, Kurt and Kyle Busch and others Ward looked up to have done it without consequence for years. Tragic, awful mistake? Absolutely. Behavior so outside the realm of normalcy and reasonableness that it absolves Stewart? Not for a second.