Controversy erupted following the Tony Stewart Eldora Speedway crash controversy during Saturday’s Kings Royal race, as outcry over track safety reached a peak after racing driver Brad Sweet was involved in a harrowing incident. The crash has led to pointed criticism from Kasey Kahne’s partner Amy Long, who publicly demanded urgent action to address safety concerns at the Tony Stewart-owned venue.
Multiple Accidents Raise Safety Questions at Eldora Speedway
Brad Sweet, a World of Outlaws Sprint car driver for Kasey Kahne Racing and the brother-in-law of NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson, was at the center of attention after a violent crash at Eldora Speedway over the weekend. Kasey Kahne’s partner, Amy Long, strongly criticized Tony Stewart in the aftermath, spotlighting him due to his ownership of Eldora Speedway, the site of the accident.
Amy Long took to her social media to direct frustration towards Stewart, citing the responsibility that comes with track ownership. This incident comes amid a wave of recent crashes at the raceway, including serious injuries for Tyler Courtney, who was hospitalized and underwent surgery after hitting the wall earlier in the week, and Aaron Reutzel, who sustained injuries from another race-night incident.
Amy Long did not hold back in her condemnation of current safety measures:
“Tony Stewart, FIX YOUR TRACK!! This is disgraceful, disgusting, disturbing and NOT DIRT RACING!! Eldora Speedway.”
She continued her public criticism, emphasizing the negligence of failing to address known hazards:
“I’ll always speak up when the safety of people I love is threatened. I watch races with my heart on the track. With so many high-speed risks,to not try to control what is a dangerous track condition is negligent. Life/career changing injuries & team resources/money were wasted.”
The severity of Sweet’s crash stunned the racing community and fans alike. Sweet was removed from the scene on a stretcher and brought to the infield medical center for initial evaluation before being transferred to a nearby facility for detailed scans. He was later discharged the same evening. Another driver, Cale Thomas, was also injured and received medical attention following his involvement in the incident.
Kasey Kahne Racing Relieved by Brad Sweet’s Recovery
Despite the intensity of the crash, a positive update came from the Kasey Kahne Racing team, confirming that Brad Sweet’s scans were clear and that he had been released from medical care. As champion of the Kubota High Limit Racing series, Sweet’s status generated considerable attention, particularly due to his family ties with Kyle Larson, another key figure in American motorsport.
The frightening crash occurred during lap 4 of the event. Sweet’s car first made contact with the wall, bounced down the track, and was subsequently struck by Cale Thomas, who had no opportunity to evade. The aftermath left the racing world anxiously awaiting updates on both drivers.
Kasey Kahne Racing communicated Sweet’s condition to fans and supporters:
“Scans have came back clean… “Sore and beat up but I’ve been discharged” – Brad Sweet.”
Though Sweet is recuperating, there remains uncertainty regarding his participation in Kubota High Limit Racing’s next scheduled event, set for the following Tuesday. The recent pattern of severe incidents, involving not only Sweet and Thomas but also Aaron Reutzel and Tyler Courtney, has amplified scrutiny of safety practices at Eldora Speedway, underscoring the urgent calls from Amy Long and many within the racing community.
Unresolved Safety Demands May Shape Eldora’s Future
The outcry following the Tony Stewart Eldora Speedway crash controversy signals a pivotal moment for dirt racing safety in the United States. The cumulative effect of several high-profile accidents during one week at the same venue has pressed Eldora Speedway and Tony Stewart into the spotlight. As family members, race teams, and fans await concrete changes, mounting pressure could prompt track officials to review and revise current safety protocols before further races proceed. The coming weeks will likely determine how the track and Stewart respond to the urgent calls for reform, setting a precedent for dirt racing circuit safety nationwide.
