Tony Stewart’s Reflections on the 2014 Tragedy: A Painful Memory That Never Fades

Tony Stewart’s Reflections on the 2014 Tragedy: A Painful Memory That Never Fades

Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is known for his aggressive driving style and fiery personality. But beyond his achievements on the track, one of the most defining and tragic moments of his life occurred on August 9, 2014, when his sprint car struck and killed 20-year-old driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a dirt track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park.

In the years that followed, Stewart has rarely spoken publicly about the incident, but when he has, his words have revealed the deep emotional toll it took on him. From his first press conference to later reflections on the tragedy, Stewart’s comments show a man forever changed by a night that still haunts him.

2014: The Immediate Aftermath

Stewart did not race for three weeks following the accident, skipping multiple NASCAR events as he grieved. When he finally returned to the track, he addressed the media in a somber press conference.

“This has been one of the toughest tragedies I’ve ever had to deal with, both professionally and personally. It’s something that will stay with me forever.”

The emotional weight of the incident was visible, as Stewart, typically known for his tough exterior, struggled to hold back tears. He made it clear that his thoughts were with Ward’s family, acknowledging their unimaginable pain.

“I know that the pain and the mourning that Kevin Ward’s family and friends are experiencing is something that I can’t possibly imagine.”

2015: The Civil Lawsuit and Emotional Toll

Although Stewart was not criminally charged, the Ward family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him. Throughout the legal proceedings, Stewart remained largely silent on the matter but later admitted that he struggled mentally in the months after the accident.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the same person again. It’s something that doesn’t go away.”

In an interview with CBS Sports, Stewart revealed that he sought professional help to cope with the trauma.

“I had to talk to people. I had to find a way to deal with it because I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t eating. It was a nightmare.”

Stewart also admitted that he initially considered walking away from racing altogether.

“For a while, I thought I was done. I thought I’d never get back in a car again. I just couldn’t see myself enjoying racing after that.”

2016: Stewart’s Retirement from NASCAR

When Stewart announced his retirement from full-time NASCAR competition in 2016, many speculated whether the 2014 tragedy played a role in his decision. While he denied that it was the primary reason, he acknowledged that the accident changed his outlook on life.

“It made me appreciate the people around me a lot more. It made me realize how fragile life is and that things can change in an instant.”

2018: Settling the Civil Suit

In 2018, Stewart and the Ward family reached an undisclosed settlement. Although he never publicly discussed the terms, he continued to express his sorrow over the accident.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. There’s nothing you can do to change what happened, and that’s the hardest part.”

2020: A Rare Reflection

During an interview on the Dale Jr. Download podcast in 2020, Stewart briefly addressed the accident when asked about his mental health. He admitted that it was something he still carried with him every day.

“People don’t see it, but it’s always there. Every day, it’s in the back of my mind.”

2023: Stewart’s Most Recent Comment

While promoting his NHRA racing ventures in 2023, Stewart was once again asked about how he copes with the past. His response was brief but telling.

“You don’t move on from something like that. You just learn to live with it.”

Conclusion

Tony Stewart may have left NASCAR, but the events of August 9, 2014, will always be a part of his story. His rare but emotional reflections over the years show a man who carries the weight of that night with him, forever changed by a tragedy that took a young driver’s life.

Though he has returned to racing in different capacities, Stewart’s words make it clear—some wounds never fully heal.