NASCAR enforces rule to prohibit drivers from approaching moving vehicles

NASCAR held a press conference Friday morning to announce a change to their rule book. Going forward, NASCAR will not allow drivers to approach moving vehicles on the track under caution.

The rule reflects the outcome of Saturday night’s fatal sprint car incident between Tony Stewart and Kevin Ward Jr. NASCAR’s vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said that the incident played a factor in their decision to make the addition.

Here’s the update to the rulebook:

Section 9-16 On-Track Incident Procedure

During an Event, if a racecar is involved in an on track incident and/or is stopped on or near the racing surface and unable to continue to make forward progress, unless extenuating emergency conditions exist with the racecar (i.e. fire, smoke in cockpit, etc.) the driver should take the following steps:

• 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
• All vehicles not involved in the incident or that are able to continue afterwards should slow down to a cautious speed as outlined in Section 10-4 (Yellow Flag), use extreme care as they approach an incident scene, and follow any directions given by safety personnel or NASCAR/Track Officials. Cars in line behind the safety car should not weave or otherwise stray from the line in the vicinity of the incident.

“This rule was put in place for the safety of our competitors, and it's safety first right now,” Pemberton said. “We looked outside of the sport and got a tap on the shoulder last week, reminding us to address this policy.”

“It’s not just about NASCAR. It’s about all motorsports.”