NASCAR officials will now require drivers involved in accidents on the race track to remain inside their vehicles until safety and/or officials with NASCAR or the track arrive on the scene, according to Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition and racing development for the sanctioning body.
"As we have demonstrated in our history that we are willing to react quickly to different incidents … this morning we are formalizing one of … our at-track regulations," said Pemberton, speaking Friday at Michigan International Speedway.
According to the addendum to the NASCAR rule book (Section 9-16), "if a race car is involved in an on-track incident on or near the racing surface, and is unable to continue to make forward progress, unless extenuating emergency conditions exist with the race car (such as smoke or fire inside the car)," the driver is to remain inside the car until directed to exit by workers on the scene.
The addendum also states that a driver or crew member(s) is not to approach any portion of the racing surface or apron and should not approach another moving vehicle.
According to officials, as with other behavioral infractions, NASCAR will handle any instances individually when determining possible penalties.
Drivers are always reminded of safety measures to be taken when competing in an event, Pemberton said, typically during the weekly drivers meeting on race day.
The move comes a week after three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart struck and killed a fellow competitor in a sprint car race at Canandiagua Motorsports Park in upstate New York. Kevin Ward Jr. had climbed out of his car and was walking across the track when he was hit.
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