Three-Time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart Speaks of His Despair after Running Over and Killing Driver Kevin Ward Jr During Night Race

Photo Credit: AP / Empire Super Sprints, INC

Tony Stewart has broken his silence after causing the death of a fellow race car driver at a night race on Saturday.

Witnesses have reported that veteran driver Stewart hit young racer Kevin Ward Jr who was walking on the track after they collided on a prior lap at the Empire Super Sprints in Canandaigua, New York.

On Sunday, the three-time NASCAR champ issued a statement expressing his condolences to Ward Jr’s family.

‘There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It’s a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I’ve decided not to participate in today’s race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy,’ Stewart said in a statement released by spokesman Mike Arning.

The competition director of Stewart’s racing team said earlier in the day that he planned to continue Sunday’s race, but he was later replaced by fellow driver Regan Smith.