NASCAR announced Monday evening that it has extended its postponement of races due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for at least six weeks until May 3.
“The health and safety of our fans, industry and the communities in which we race is our most important priority, so in accordance with recent CDC guidance, NASCAR is currently postponing all race events through May 3rd, with plans to return racing in Martinsville,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“We appreciate the patience of our fans and we look forward to returning to the race track. We intend to hold all 36 races this season, with future rescheduling soon to be determined as we continue to monitor this situation closely with public health officials and medical experts.
“What is important now transcends the world of sports and our focus is on everyone’s safety and well-being as we navigate this challenging time together.”
Should the guidelines be lifted, competition will resume at Martinsville (Va.) Raceway on Saturday, May 9 – which is currently just a NASCAR Cup Series event weekend shared with the Whelen Modified Series.
The Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series would return on May 15 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Xfinity Series the following week, May 23 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
The expands postponed races now covers race weekends at Texas Motor Speedway, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Dover (Del.) International Speedway.
Texas and Dover were to feature all three of NASCAR’s national series – the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, Xfinity and Cup Series, with Bristol and Talladega hosting Cup and Xfinity and the Truck Series set to return to Richmond with the Cup Series in mid-April.
Following NASCAR’s statement, race tracks with upcoming events that have been postponed began issuing statements:
“Considering the circumstances that NASCAR had no choice but to postpone the race, we obviously support that because public safety comes first,” said Eddie Gossage, Texas Motor Speedway president and general manager. “As soon as we have information on the rescheduled date, we will share it with our fans, but we encourage them to hold onto their tickets and plan to join us for the rescheduled O’Reilly Auto Parts 500. It’s always the right time to do the right thing, and we’re going to do right by our fans.”
“What truly makes Bristol Motor Speedway special is not only the exciting racing, but the incredible family reunion feel that exists when all of our fans, guests, community members, and businesses come together for a race weekend,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president, and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “That’s why I support NASCAR’s decision to postpone our NASCAR spring event to a later date. The health and safety of everyone who attends races at Bristol Motor Speedway is our top priority and this step has been taken so that everyone can follow the recommended guidelines as advised by government officials.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been affected by this pandemic. Once we have a confirmed rescheduled date, we will inform you as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience during this time, and we look forward to having all of you here once again at the Last Great Colosseum.”
“As a sport and community, we are united in the best interests of the safety and well-being of our fans, competitors, stakeholders, and track personnel,” said Richmond president Dennis Bickmeier. “As this dynamic situation continues to evolve, we will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and public health officials. We look forward to brighter and healthier days ahead in the greater Richmond region when NASCAR returns to Richmond Raceway.”
“We want to thank all of our loyal and devoted fans who were set to join us during our April race weekend,” said Talladega Superspeedway president Brian Crichton. “The health and safety of our guests, NASCAR stakeholders, employees and our community is our number one priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times and we look forward to having everyone back in the near future for the greatest racing on the planet.”
The Automobile Racing Club of America which is owned by NASCAR has also postponed its events in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West.
It’s flagship division, the ARCA Menards Series will have its upcoming races at Salem (Ind.) Speedway (Apr. 19) and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Apr. 24) rescheduled.
Five Flags (Fla.) Speedway was postponed last week for the East Series with also the upcoming East races at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (Apr. 4) and Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville (May 2) now expected to have new dates this year too.
The March 28 race at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. for the ARCA Menards Series West will also be rescheduled.
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