TURIN, N.Y. — Kevin Ward Jr.’s father and fellow racers want him remembered as a talented and aggressive driver who had a bright future in the sport rather than as a victim in an accident involving NASCSAR champion Tony Stewart that sparked controversy among racing fans and recriminations from Ward’s family.

Funeral services for the 20-year-old were set for 11 a.m. Thursday at South Lewis Senior High School in Turin, 55 miles northeast of Syracuse.

Ward was killed Saturday night 140 miles away at a dirt track in Canandaigua, where NASCAR champion Stewart was racing while he was in the area for a Sprint Cup event at Watkins Glen the next day. After a bump from Stewart sent Ward’s winged car spinning into the wall, the young driver climbed out and stalked onto the track in his black firesuit, gesturing angrily. Stewart’s No. 14 car seemed to fishtail, and Ward was thrown through the air as fans watched in horror.

Kevin Ward Sr. said that Stewart was the best driver on the track and there was no reason for him to hit the young driver after other cars avoided him.

“The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison,” Ward said. “Is he going to say what he done?”