Besieged NASCAR driver Tony Stewart has broken his silence following the accident which claimed the life of Kevin Ward Jr at a low-key Sprint Car race in New York state in early August.
Stewart faced a packed press conference after a grand jury last week cleared him of any criminal charges over the incident when his car struck and killed Ward Jr.
Stewart spoke at length on the impact that the tragedy has had on his life, as well as his reluctance to return to the wheel of a sprint car.
CLICK HERE for the full press conference transcript
The three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion would not, however, field questions on the accident itself, which has been the subject of heavy public and media scrutiny over the last month.
Stewart explained that he initially shut himself away from the world following the accident, but has since absorbed the reaction.
The three-times Sprint Cup champion said that taking sides in an incident which had no winners was not going to solve anything.
“Last Wednesday (grand jury) the facts came out and people still through the weekend, some people that had the same opinion before the facts came out still have the same opinion, no matter what side they think about,” Stewart said.
“To me it’s worthless to pick sides. A young man lost his life, and I don’t care what side you’re on, it doesn’t change that.
“His family’s in mourning. I’m in mourning. My family is in mourning.
“Picking sides isn’t solving or fixing anything. It’s a waste of time to pick sides. Instead of honouring a young man that had a promising racing career, people are picking sides and throwing… it’s like watching people throw darts at each other.
“Whatever we see on the news we make our decision as people about what we see.
“But it’s not… I don’t think any of us any day whatever topic we’re trying to come to a conclusion about, ever get all the facts.”
Stewart remains undecided about whether or not he will return to the wheel of a Sprint Car in future.
“I’m not going to say I’m never going to get in one,” Stewart said.
“But when I got hurt (last year), it was as soon as I got healed and as soon as things got settled in with the Cup car I was set that I was wanting to get in one, but right now I wouldn’t even be able to give you a small idea of if and when I’ll ever get back in a car.
“So at this point I won’t be in one for a while.”
Stewart missed three Sprint Cup races following the tragedy and says that the way he was welcomed back into the public arena at Atlanta was a moving moment.
“At first I thought I accidentally walked out in Dale Jr.’s spot, but it was very overwhelming. I’m glad I had sunglasses on,” he said of the cheers received at the Atlanta drivers’ introduction.
“Probably the most flattering and humbling part of my career was to walk out there and have that kind of reception… I’ll never forget that moment.”
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