Tony Stewart Breaks Silence on New Kevin Ward Jr. Lawsuit: “The Trauma Alone Is Killing Me”
In a dramatic and emotionally charged statement, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has broken his silence following news of a new lawsuit related to the tragic death of Kevin Ward Jr., years after the two parties had previously reached an out-of-court settlement. The announcement has reignited public scrutiny over the fatal 2014 incident, which has haunted the racing world ever since.
Stewart, who had remained relatively quiet in recent years about the events that unfolded at the Empire Super Sprints race in Canandaigua, New York, has now come forward with a deeply personal and raw admission of the ongoing toll the tragedy continues to take on his life.
“The trauma alone is killing me deeply. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t relive that night,” Stewart said in a statement released through his representatives Monday morning.
A Pain That Never Left
On August 9, 2014, the racing community was shaken when 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr. exited his vehicle on the dirt track after a collision, approaching Stewart’s car in what appeared to be a confrontation. Stewart’s sprint car struck Ward, who was pronounced dead shortly after. A grand jury later declined to indict Stewart on criminal charges, ruling the incident an accident, though it sparked a heated national debate over accountability, sportsmanship, and danger in motorsports.
In 2018, Stewart and the Ward family reached an undisclosed civil settlement. Many believed the matter was behind them. But now, a new legal challenge—filed by a separate party with connections to the case—has reopened old wounds.
According to sources close to the situation, the latest suit seeks further damages and claims new evidence or perspectives were not considered in the original settlement. While details of the new filing are still emerging, the emotional toll on Stewart is clear.
“I’ve carried the weight of that night for years. I did everything I could to make peace with the family, to find closure—for them and for myself. But now, it’s like we’re back at the starting line.”
Racing World Reacts
Reactions from the racing world have been swift and divided. Some fans and professionals express sympathy for Stewart, citing his ongoing mental health struggles and the fact that legal closure had already been reached.
Others argue that any new evidence should be thoroughly reviewed and that justice must be fully served—no matter how much time has passed.
NASCAR has not yet issued an official statement, though insiders say executives are monitoring the situation closely. Stewart, who now co-owns Stewart-Haas Racing and continues to be a visible presence in the motorsports community, is reportedly reevaluating his public appearances amid the renewed legal and emotional battle.
A Legacy Forever Changed
Though Tony Stewart’s name is etched in NASCAR history with three Cup Series championships, his legacy has been undeniably shaped by the Ward Jr. incident. Supporters note he has donated to driver safety initiatives and mentored young drivers, using his experience to push for reforms.
Still, the emotional scars remain.
“I never wanted to be part of a tragedy. I never wanted to be a symbol of controversy. I just wanted to race,” Stewart said. “But I live with it. Every single day.”
As this new lawsuit develops, the story of Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward Jr. enters yet another chapter—one steeped in unresolved grief, legal complexity, and the haunting aftermath of a night that changed lives forever.