Tony Stewart: Death of Kevin Ward Jr. 'is something that will definitely affect my life forever'

Tony Stewart addressed the media Friday for the first time since the fatal sprint car accident that claimed the life of Kevin Ward Jr. in New York on Aug. 9. He read from a prepared statement from Atlanta Motor Speedway, and was joined on the podium by SHR executive vice president Brett Frood.

"This has been one of the toughest tragedies I’ve ever had to deal with both professionally and personally,” a clearly shaken up Stewart said. For a man who is known to trade barbs with the media, his mood was somber. Stewart was on the verge of tears, looking very emotional and deeply affected by the accident.

"This is something that will definitely affect my life forever," he said. "I want Kevin’s [family] to know that everyday I’m thinking about them and praying for them."

Stewart has been unreachable since the incident, some saying that he left his home in Charlotte to be with his family in Indiana.

"I miss my team, my teammates. I miss being back in the racecar. I think being back in the car this week will help me get through this difficult time."

"I also understand that all of you have many questions and want a lot of answers, however I need to respect the ongoing investigation and cannot answer and address the questions at this time. Emotionally I'm not sure if I could answer them anyway."

After his statement, Stewart shook Frood’s hand and left the media center. He'll race on Sunday for the first time since the tragic accident. 

You can listen to the full press conference below:

Stewart's full statement:

This has been one of the toughest tragedies I've ever had to deal with both professionally and personally. This is something that will definitely affect my life forever. This is a sadness and a pain that I hope no one ever has to experience in their life. 

With that being said, I know that the pain and the mourning that Kevin Ward's family and friends are experiencing is something that I can't possibly imagine.

I want Kevin's father, Kevin Sr., and his mother Pam, and his sisters Christi, Kayla, Katelyn, to know that every day I'm thinking about them and praying for them.

The racing community is a large family, as you guys know. Everyone's saddened with this tragedy.

I want to thank all my friends and family for their support through this tough emotional time, and the support from the NASCAR community, my partners, all of our employees, it's been overwhelming.

I've taken the last couple weeks off out of respect for Kevin and his family, and also to cope with the accident in my own way. It's given me the time to think about life and how easy it is to take it for granted.

I miss my team, my teammates. I miss being back in the racecar. I think being back in the car this week with my racing family will help me get through this difficult time.

I also understand that all of you have many questions and want a lot of answers, however I need to respect the ongoing investigation process and cannot answer and address the questions at this time. Emotionally I'm not sure if I could answer them anyway. 

We're here to race this weekend, and I appreciate your respect. There will be a day when I can sit here and answer the questions. Thank you.