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NASCAR bans drivers from leaving cars after wrecks

NASCAR adopted a new rule on Friday, barring its drivers from leaving their cars until ordered to do so by series, track or safety officials after an incident during a race, NASCAR's vice president of competition and racing development Robin Pemberton announced.
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NASCAR adopted a new rule on Friday, barring its drivers from leaving their cars until ordered to do so by series, track or safety officials after an incident during a race, NASCAR's vice president of competition and racing development Robin Pemberton announced.

Last weekend, Kevin Ward Jr. was killed when he was struck by Tony Stewart's car after he got got out of his vehicle following a wreck in an attempt to confront Stewart.

MORE:Boomer Esiason: Tony Stewart shouldn't race until investigation complete

"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," Pemberton said on Friday at Michigan International Speedway, site of Sunday's Pure Michigan 400.

The rule will take effect immediately.

"Through time you have to recognize when you get a reminder or tap on the shoulder, something that may need to be addressed," Pemberton said. "This is one of those times where we look outside our sport and we look at other things, and we feel like it was time to address this."

- Chris Mascaro