Tony Stewart faces the media for the first time after the gruesome accident that shocked the NASCAR world last August 9. Stewart car had stroked and killed another race card river, Kevin Ward Jr. , during a dirt track race in upstate New York.

Stewart did not answer any questions coming from the media but instead read an emotional message that he wrote.

Stwart appeared stressed and shaken during the media event. It was Stewart-Haas vice president Brett Frood who answered the questions thrown out by the media. He said that Stewart has also reached out to Ward's family. He said "Tony has sent the family flowers and a card for the services. Besides that, he's been very respectful of them and their time to grieve. It is very important for Tony to spend time with the family and I do believe that will happen at the appropriate time."

The incident happened at Canandaigua Motorsports Park when Ward went out of his car to face Stewart after the latter had bumped his car in the previous laps.

Here is Stewart's Statement "This is 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 I hope no one ever has to experience in their life. 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., his mother Pam and his sisters Christi, Kayla and Katelyn to know that every day I'm thinking about and praying for them."

"The racing community is a large family. As you guys know and 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 has 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, and I miss being back in the race car. I think that 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. But 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. I'm here to race this weekend and I appreciate your respect and there will be a day when I can sit here and answer the questions. Thank you."