In a shocking twist to one of NASCAR’s most tragic and controversial incidents, newly leaked video footage and race control audio have surfaced, suggesting that Tony Stewart received a direct warning about Kevin Ward Jr. being on foot on the track — moments before the fatal collision that rocked the motorsports world.
For years, the tragic death of Kevin Ward Jr. has haunted the racing community. On that fateful night in August 2014 at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in upstate New York, what started as a routine sprint car race ended in unspeakable tragedy. After a mid-race incident between Ward and Stewart, Ward exited his car and walked onto the track, apparently attempting to confront Stewart under a yellow flag. What happened next sparked outrage, debate, and endless speculation.
Now, with the emergence of this leaked material, the narrative is once again being thrust into the spotlight — and not in a way that favors Stewart.
The Leaked Audio: A Game-Changer?
The newly released race control audio captures a tense moment that the public has never heard before. A voice from race control can be heard urgently warning drivers:
> “Car on foot. Driver on track, stay low, slow it down — caution, caution!”
The warning came seconds before Stewart’s car approached the exact section of the track where Ward stood. According to the timing synced with the leaked video, several other cars ahead of Stewart visibly slowed down and passed Ward safely. But as Stewart’s car came around the corner, it appeared to accelerate slightly, fishtail, and then fatally strike Ward, sending his body flying down the dirt track.
Experts who have analyzed the footage are calling it “potentially damning” — raising new questions about Stewart’s decision-making in those crucial seconds.
Did Stewart Ignore the Warning?
This is the question that’s reigniting public outrage. The leaked footage suggests that Stewart either did not heed the warning or failed to adjust his speed sufficiently. While previous investigations concluded that Stewart did not act with criminal intent, many are now wondering whether the full truth was ever revealed.
At the time, a grand jury declined to indict Stewart on criminal charges. Toxicology reports showed that Ward had marijuana in his system, which prosecutors argued may have impaired his judgment. Stewart maintained that he did not see Ward until it was too late, and that the incident was nothing more than a tragic accident.
However, the existence of race control warnings adds a disturbing layer of complexity. If Stewart was indeed notified in advance of a driver on foot and failed to adequately slow down, some are arguing this points to negligence — or at the very least, gross misjudgment.
The Internet Reacts
Social media has exploded in response to the leaked content. Hashtags like #StewartWarning and #JusticeForWard are trending, with fans, critics, and experts weighing in. Some defend Stewart, arguing that split-second decisions in racing are difficult and that visibility may have been compromised. Others are calling for renewed legal scrutiny, suggesting the original investigation may have overlooked critical evidence.
One user wrote:
“This changes everything. How could they clear him if they knew he was warned?”
Another tweeted:
“The fact that other drivers slowed down proves it was possible to avoid Ward. Stewart had the warning. No excuse.”
Will There Be Consequences?
Legal experts are divided on whether this new evidence could reopen the case. While double jeopardy prevents criminal retrials after an acquittal or non-indictment, civil lawsuits could potentially be revisited if it’s proven that material evidence was withheld or overlooked.
Ward’s family, who previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit that was settled confidentially, may choose to speak out in light of these revelations.
As for NASCAR and Stewart himself, both have declined to comment on the leaked materials as of this writing.
The Bottom Line
The release of this audio and video has sent shockwaves through the racing world. Whether it leads to new legal action or simply reshapes public perception, one thing is clear: the tragic death of Kevin Ward Jr. is far from a closed chapter.