[PA Engineer]

Video from the stands is far more likely to pick up an audio accelerator blip from a car closer to the stands.

Yep. I commented on the video last night too. There were numerous factors involved including the type of cars, lighting, "smooth bottom driving boots" and a somewhat sloped dirt track.

I have had some experience with Late Model and Legacy racing including set ups and spotting. The primary contributor to Ward's death was immaturity and testosterone. It is tragic for everyone involved including Tony Stewart.

Ward should have stayed in his car.

[jjotto]

I’m pretty sure there’s always a driver meeting before the race and that one of the points emphasized is “stay in your car”.

Young testosterone sure, but Ward had four or so years of sprint car experience.

BTW, Stewart had a close friend killed in a sprint car accident just last year.