NASCAR Adds New Rule on Exiting Cars After Accidents

asey Kahne, driver of the #5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet, drives ahead of Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Code 3 / Mobil 1 Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 3.

ROOKLYN, Mich. — NASCAR has added a new rule telling drivers to not approach the track or moving vehicles after accidents. The rule comes less than a week after a driver was struck and killed during a dirt-track race at a small New York track.

See also: Tony Stewart Skips Another NASCAR Race — Will He Drive Again?

NASCAR star Tony Stewart is skipping this weekend's Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. Last Saturday, Stewart's car hit and killed Kevin Ward Jr. at a sprint car event in Canandaigua, New York. After Stewart clipped Ward's car, sending it spinning, Ward left the car during the caution period, walked down the track and was hit by Stewart.

NASCAR Vice President Robin Pemberton says the new rule merely formalizes reminders that take place during drivers' meetings. NASCAR will address violations of the rule on a case-by-case basis.

This is the third race and the second straight Sprint Cup event to be skipped by Stewart, whose chances at making The Chase –- NASCAR’s equivalent of the playoffs –- are dwindling fast. There are only three regular-season races after Michigan, and Stewart would have to win one of them outright to be in the hunt for a fourth championship.

Stewart announced his decision Thursday, but did not elaborate on plans for the rest of the year.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.