NASCAR's New Rule Will Keep Drivers in Cars After Crashes
NASCAR has announced a new rule as a result of last week’s accident involving Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward Jr.
The racing association has implemented a rule that will prohibit drivers from exiting their cars after an on-track incident unless “extenuating circumstances exist,” Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president announced today.
In the new rule, if cars are involved in an accident and are unable to make forward progress, drivers must shut off electrical power, lower the window net and wait without removing any personal safety equipment until a safety official or a NASCAR official arrives.
SEE ALSO: Tony Stewart Hits and Kills Rival Dirt Track Racer
Extenuating circumstances where the drivers can leave their cars include fire or smoke in the cockpit. This past Saturday, Tony Stewart’s car struck and killed driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a dirt track race after Ward Jr. left his vehicle during the caution period and walked down the track. The rule takes effect immediately and will apply to all of NASCAR’s series.
“Throughout the history of our sport, NASCAR has reviewed and analyzed situations and occurrences that take place not just in NASCAR racing but also throughout all motorsports and other sports,” Pemberton said. “When we believe we can do something to make our sport safer and better for the competitors and others involved in the competition environment, we react quickly. Safety always has been priority No. 1 at NASCAR.”
[Source: ESPN]
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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