And yes, deaths in auto racing happen. Races aren’t canceled as a result.
— Jay Caruso (@JayCaruso) August 10, 2014
A lot of mainstream reporters who know NOTHING about racing are going to be experts this week. Let's not give them a reason to attack us.
— Brandon W. Mudd (@BWMudd) August 10, 2014
As Twitchy reported, many Twitter users, including sports reporters, argued that Tony Stewart should not race today after being involved in an accident that killed driver Kevin Ward last night. Other Twitter users couldn’t help but make Dale Earnhardt, Sr. comparisons after Dale Earnhardt, Jr. tweeted out his condolences after the tragic accident.
@DanWetzel why, because he was involved in a horrible accident that caused someone's death? Did they prevent Sterling Marlin after DE died?
— Tyler DeHate (@tylerdehate) August 10, 2014
While many are questioning a seemingly callous “business as usual” attitude, not everyone is immediately calling for Tony Stewart’s head.
@LilMissRightie @TheH2 I don’t understand. Tony hits a guy that idiotically walks on a live track and he’s supposed to do…. what, exactly?
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@JohnEkdahl @TheH2 Uh, not be a disrespectful douche? Maybe. Perhaps. While he's probably not legally at fault a kid is still dead.
— LMR (@LilMissRightie) August 10, 2014
@LilMissRightie @TheH2 He’s got a responsibility to a lot of people to race today. I don’t see the issue.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@JohnEkdahl @LilMissRightie yep. And I’m not seeing how it’s disrespectful to go back out and do your job.
— The H2 (@TheH2) August 10, 2014
I don’t blame Tony for racing today. He might not be mentally ready, but it’s better than sitting in a room w/a chance to think.
— Mary Chastain (@mchastain81) August 10, 2014
You all act like Stewart is racing on a day off for fun. It’s his JOB. He’s not doing it for a weekend drive.
— Mary Chastain (@mchastain81) August 10, 2014
Racing fan or not, that’s true.
@ElvisRuttle @UMfangirl @genethelawyer deaths happen in racing. Not uncommon.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
Deaths happen in racing. Drivers are well aware of the risks. Not sure how not racing for a day accomplishes anything.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@genethelawyer @JohnEkdahl What does it say about a person that he can accidentally kill another human being and go to work the next day?
— elizabeth (@UMfangirl) August 10, 2014
@UMfangirl @genethelawyer It’s fucking racing for Christ’s sake. This happens a lot.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@ElvisRuttle @UMfangirl @genethelawyer Not many, but not sure I see why that’s any different. The guy walked into racing cars!
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@BigJebBos it’s not inaccurate, it’s just not a good analogy. Deaths are a part of racing. Every driver knows this.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@mitrebox Looks bad for Stewart, but *could* have been unintentional. Any driver might have hit a pedestrian on the dirt.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) August 10, 2014
@ThisIsJoshSmith @Jose_Galvan @mitrebox I'm speaking as someone who knows zero about racing. Just seems foolhardy to this layman.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) August 10, 2014
@ThisIsJoshSmith @Jose_Galvan @mitrebox Doesn't absolve Stewart, but I wouldn't walk into traffic on residential st. let alone a dirt track.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) August 10, 2014
@JohnEkdahl @genethelawyer I have no idea how that car works. I know you probably shouldn't run out in front of a bunch them going fast
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) August 10, 2014
Not in support of Stewart or his actions, but on-track deaths happen.. When Dale Earnhardt crashed, they didn't go after Sterling Marlin..
— Brendan Kennealy (@TheBKing4) August 10, 2014
Stay Classy, #NASCAR Run down an opposing driver on Saturday, race as usual on Sunday–with NASCAR's approval!http://t.co/HiGTxwTM98
— Michael Graham (@IAMMGraham) August 10, 2014
@IAMMGraham c’mon man.
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
@JohnEkdahl @IAMMGraham John, I have always admired your tweets. I know nothing about Nascar, but IMO, he should not race out of respect.
— Police Squad (@bnuge610) August 10, 2014
@bnuge610 again, it’s a part of the sport. This is how they cope. Continue racing…
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
The arguments may be moot right now anyway: Will he really race today?
Wait. Is he racing or not racing? Twitter appears to not be a good source of facts.
— Michele (@inthefade) August 10, 2014
@inthefade Not racing
— Jay Caruso (@JayCaruso) August 10, 2014
Okay Twitter outrage brigade. He’s not racing. Time to rant about something else now. http://t.co/lLVEZc4HLh
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 10, 2014
From the LA Times:
Tony Stewart will not compete in a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International on Sunday after being involved in an incident that claimed the life of a driver during a race in New York on Saturday night.
The manager for Stewart’s racing team, Greg Zipadelli, told the Associated Press that the three-time NASCAR champion will not compete Sunday. Regan Smith will drive Stewart’s No. 14 car in the race.
Related:
Tony Stewart plans to race today because it’s ‘business as usual.’ Update: He won’t race today
TNA wrestling exec Bob Ryder: ‘Tony Stewart should be in jail tomorrow, not racing’
NASCAR driver Tony Stewart hits, kills driver Kevin Ward in sprint car race
