Local Drivers React to Tony Stewart Accident

Описание: Matt Helbing and Chris Camp have been around the race track for many years.

"I started when I was 14 years old," said Helbing. "Went to the Rome Speedway and loved it ever since."

Sunday, they were watching the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Watkins Glen International Race Track. A race the 3 time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart was going to be driving in.

He chose not to drive after hitting, and killing another driver Saturday night in Upstate New York.

"You're told, stay in the car," said Camp. "It's the safest place for you unless you're on fire."

But the young driver did not. 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr. got out of his car and walked onto the track after being clipped.

We also spoke with Steve Hixson from Boyd's Speedway in Ringgold, someone who is very familiar with the race track.

"Unfortunately the race wasn't red flagged," he said. "When you red flag a race all drivers stop immediately."

The race was given a yellow flag, so the drivers slowed from close to 100mph to 30-to-35.

"We have rules, NASCAR has rules, the Sprint Car Organization has rules. To keep the drivers safe," Hixson said. "That doesn't mean they're going to follow those rules, even with looming suspension, or fines."

Hixson added that he has seen drivers get out of the car many times because of tempers, despite rule number 43: Not to get out of the car unless the driver is in immediate danger.

"People can't play the blame game on this," said Helbing. "It happened. It's gong to be a little like what happened with Dale Earnhardt. Something good will come out of this young man being killed."

They are all hoping it is something that has to do with safety.