The suit was filed on the behalf of Ward Jr.’s parents, Kevin and Pamela. The 44-year-old driver hasn’t won in 62 races, a streak that dates to Dover in June 2013, before he broke his leg. There was no comment from Stewart, who was with his crew in the garage before a final practice Friday afternoon.
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When Stewart’s auto came around on the next lap, Ward, while in the middle of the track, pointed at Stewart. “Stewart acted with disregard for Ward’s life and safety by driving his vehicle in a manner that would terrorize Ward and thereafter strike, severely injure and kill Ward”.
Mr Ward’s father later told a local newspaper there was “no reason” for the death, given Mr Stewart’s experience and skills.
“Our son was truly the light of our lives, and we miss him terribly every day”, they said in a statement. “Our hope is that this lawsuit will hold Tony Stewart responsible for killing our son and show him there are real consequences when someone recklessly takes another person’s life”.
The lawsuit does not specify the damages the family is seeking, but it accuses the 43-year-old Stewart of wrongful death, reckless conduct and gross negligence. “Rick” Meadow of The Lanier Law Firm are also representing the Wards, as is Evan Janush of New York.
A native of Rome, N.Y., and resident of Port Leyden, Ward was the Empire Super Sprints Rookie of the Year in 2012.
August 2002 – NASCAR officials fine Stewart $10,000 and place him on probation for the rest of the season after hitting a photographer after a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rolls into Watkins Glen this weekend there are plenty of compelling story lines, but perhaps none bigger than the buzz surrounding one of NASCAR’s elite, Jeff Gordon.
The suit was filed in Lewis County Supreme Court.
Stewart gives rides in a stock vehicle to the participants but skipped his appearance last year as it fell during a three-week mourning period in which Stewart was in seclusion dealing with the trauma of Ward’s death. Both SHR and NASCAR declined comment on the lawsuit Friday.
Stewart is scheduled to race in the Sprint Cup Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen on Sunday, the one-year anniversary of Ward’s death.
“I don’t know how anybody could ever be back to exactly the way they were”, Stewart said.
“I kind of laugh because everybody initially said ‘Oh Marcos isn’t here, this should be easy for you.’ ” Allmendinger said.
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“I’m really optimistic about being here this weekend and hopefully carrying that road course momentum through to Watkins Glen“, he said. “Watkins Glen always tends to be a track about speed, so with Kevin’s finesse behind the wheel, I think we’ll be in great hands”.
