Tony Stewart Won’t Race After Hitting Driver in Canandaigua

UPDATE: After announcing he WOULD race at Watkins Glen, hours after hitting and killing a driver in Canandaigua, Tony Stewart has now decided to sit this one out.

From @StewartHaasRcng's VP of Competition: Tony Stewart will not race today at @WGI. @ReganSmith will drive the No. 14 car.

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 10, 2014

No one can deny the death of Kevin Ward Jr., at Canandaigua Motorsports Park was a tragedy. But should Tony Stewart really be racing at Watkins Glen today? Hours after Stewart struck and killed Ward Jr. during a dirt race, comes word he'll race as planned today.

UPDATE: Tony Stewart will race in Sunday's NASCAR event, at Watkins Glen, hours after hitting, killing on-foot driver Kevin Ward Jr.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 10, 2014

One speedway cancelled racing today following the tragedy. It just seems like the right thing to do.

Adirondack Speedway cancels racing Sunday after son of major sponsor killed in #Canandaigua race by #NASCAR's #TonyStewart

— TWC News CNY & NNY (@TWCNewsCNY) August 10, 2014

The decision for Stewart to race today didn't seem like the right thing to do and it didn't gain him any new fans.

1/2 The idea of Tony Stewart racing today, mere hours after striking another driver & killing him is more than insensitive & inappropriate.

— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) August 10, 2014

I can't say if Tony Stewart should be allowed to race today, but I do think out of respect he should sit this one out.

— Kim Briggs (@kimberlyatl) August 10, 2014

I'm a big Tony Stewart fan but what he did last night is incomprehensible. Have some class and sit out the NASCAR race. #tonystewart

— Gabe Porta (@gabeporta) August 10, 2014

The decision for Stewart to race so soon after the tragedy seemed a little cold hearted and I don't think the change of heart will change the majority of opinions: Stewart needs to show a little compassion.

Is Stewart's decision to NOT race, too little too late?