Will Stewart be a No-Show at MIS?

As Kevin Ward Jr. was being laid to rest today, came speculation that NASCAR Champ Tony Stewart may miss yet another race--this one in Michigan.

Stewart is still on the roster for the race at the Michigan International Speedway in Brookyn, but no word yet on whether he plans to take to the track.  He skipped a race last week after the accident at New York's Motorsports Park on Saturday.

Thousands are expected at MIS to catch the action and would undoubtedly be disappointed not to see Stewart in action.

The speculation on his appearance in Michigan as the father of the man struck and killed by Stewart is speaking out publically for the first time since the tragedy.

Foxsports.com is reporting that Kevin Ward Sr. is blaming Stewart's aggression for his son's death.

"Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night.  Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there's no reason for it."

Stewart bumped the back of Ward's car sending it into the wall.  It was when Ward got out of his vehicle to express his anger, that he was struck and killed.  Stewart claims he didn't see him standing on the track until it was too late.  Video seems to indicate that Stewart's vehicle fishtailed before the accident.

Ward's father, though, doesn't buy it.

"Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn't see him," Ward said.  He noted that several of the other drivers were able to swerve and avoid hitting his son.

"The only person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison.  Is he going to say what he done?"\

Police say the investigation of the accident could take up to two weeks.

Join Jo Anne Paul weekday mornings beginning at 6 o'clock for news updates on 99.1 WFMK FM and the on 1240 WJIM AM and the other stations of the Michigan Talk Network and for afternoon updates on WITL-FM. 
joanne.paul@townsquaremedia.com