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NASCAR announces new rule after Kevin Ward death

By Cameron La Fontaine

Jul 26, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Chase Elliott drives down the front stretch during the Indiana 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Chase Elliott drives down the front stretch during the Indiana 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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NASCAR implemented a new rule regarding on-track incident procedures Friday morning in response to the death of Kevin Ward Jr. at a sprint car race at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park on Aug. 9. Driver Tony Stewart struck and killed Ward Jr. when Ward Jr. angrily jumped out of his car and tried to confront Stewart on the race track after being hit into the wall.

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According to USA TODAY Sports, vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said the rule was distributed to teams before Sprint Cup practice Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway.

The new rule is listed as Section 9-16, will be added to the NASCAR rule book and will apply to all of its racing series, effective immediately.

Pemberton held a press conference Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway where he outlined the rule that is a procedure that should take place when a driver is stopped on or near the racing surface and can no longer make forward progress. The procedure is outlined as follows by NASCAR:

  • Shut off electrical power and, if driver is uninjured, lower window net
  • Do not loosen , disconnect or remove any driver personal safety equipment until directed to do so by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
  • After being directed to exit the racecar, the driver should proceed to either the ambulance, other vehicle, or as otherwise directed by safety personnel or a NASCAR/Track Official
  • At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach any portion of the racing surface or apron
  • At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach another moving vehicle
  • No specific punishment has been outlined.

Tony Stewart will not be racing in the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.

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