Like Us on Facebook

Following the NASCAR star Tony Stewart racing accident that killed Kevin Ward Jr., Stewart and his backers spent Monday pondering the future for the controversial driver.

Stewart was involved heavily Saturday in the incident at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park resulting in Ward's death. His car ran Ward's car into an embankment. When Ward emerged on the track and began confronting Stewart's vehicle, his vehicle swerved and hit Ward killing him on the track.

While Stewart hasn't been charged with a criminal act, the investigation by Ontario County Sheriff's Office continues. Meanwhile, Stewart dropped out of Sunday's Cheez-It 355 at nearby Watkins Glen, a key NASCAR Sprint Cup race,  for the second consecutive year. Last year, he missed the race due to a compound fracture in his right leg also missing other races at the time.

Stewart's next scheduled event was at a dirt race track at Plymouth Speedway. He has dropped out of that contest.

Stewart has been a controversial racing figure known for a fiery temper and confrontations with fellow drivers over the years. He was part of an accident scenario in July 2013 at the same Canandaigua track when his car made contact with a car driven by a 19-year-old driver who was seriously hurt. Stewart took responsibility for the 15-car crash that ended with driver Alysha Ruggles suffering a back compression fracture.

The sheriff's office continues to review eyewitness testimony and video of the incident. The Monroe County Medical Examiner's office hasn't disclosed when autopsy results will be complete for Ward, 20, an up-and-coming driver from Port Leyden, N.Y. Ward's family asked for privacy in their time of grief. Funeral plans haven't been revealed.

Stewart is a three-time NASCAR champion. That 10-race championship series called the Chase for the Sprint Cup has four races to go including this weekend's competition at Michigan International Speedway.

Stewart hasn't qualified yet for the playoffs, but will be eligible if he wins at Michigan. The Chase has filled 12 of 16 places so far. He ranks 22nd on the qualifying list and can make the Chase only if he wins at Michigan.

What's not clear is if he will race as well as if sponsors will continue to back him as he awaits official clearance by authorities in the Ward death. 

TagsTony Stewart, Tony Stewart racing, nascar, Nascar Sprint Cup Series, racing driver, Sports