NASCAR has formalized a rollout that will reintroduce guests at select NASCAR Cup Series races beginning with this Sunday’s Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.
The rollout will continue for next Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Jun. 21, 2020.
In a press release, NASCAR says its modified event procedures, protocols and number of attendees have been finalized with guidance from public health officials, medical experts and local, state and federal officials.
All guests in attendance will be screened before entering the grounds, required to wear face coverings, mandated to social distancing at six feet, will not have access to the infield, among other revised industry protocols.
“We have tremendous respect and appreciation for the responsibility that comes with integrating guests back into our events,” said Daryl Wolfe, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations and Sales Officer, NASCAR.
“We believe implementing this methodical process is an important step forward for the sport and the future of live sporting events. The passion and unwavering support of our industry and fans is the reason we race each weekend and we look forward to slowly and responsibly welcoming them back at select events.”
The coronavirus pandemic paused action in all three of NASCAR’s top national series from early March to mid-May with competition resuming at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on May 17.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series resumed competition a few days later at Darlington followed by the return of the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 26.
Homestead-Miami Speedway will invite up to 1,000 South Florida service members as honorary guests for the scheduled 12th Cup race of the season. The guests represent the Homestead Air Reserve Base and U.S. Southern Command in nearby Doral, Fla.
“The ability to host guests for the Dixie Vodka 400 is an important step in the return of live sporting events across the globe,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Al Garcia. “The opening of our track 25 years ago was a sign of hope following the devastation in South Miami-Dade County as a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
“Today we are privileged and feel a deep sense of responsibility for the same chance during these challenging times. Having South Florida service members at our race is a true honor and is very symbolic as we begin to have guests back at our NASCAR events.”
Talladega Superspeedway will allow up to 5,000 guests for the second superspeedway race of the Cup season in the frontstretch grandstands | towers. Additionally, there will be a limited number of motorhome | fifth-wheel camping spots available outside the track high atop the Alabama Gang Superstretch.
“Our frontstretch grandstands and towers are massive, measuring an incredible eight-tenths of a mile long,” said Talladega Superspeedway president Brian Crichton. “That provides us ample room to be able to welcome race fans back with plenty of safe distancing between guests. NASCAR and the track staff will continue to work with health and government officials and be ready to provide a safe experience for the NASCAR fans in attendance.
“We have a great respect for the responsibility that hosting fans brings, and it’s an honor for Talladega Superspeedway to be one of the first sports facilities to bring fans back to the race track.”
Tickets are open exclusively on a first-come, first-serve basis to race fans who purchased tickets or reserved camping for the originally scheduled GEICO 500 on Apr. 26 and live within a designated 150-mile proximity to the 2.66-mile track.
The available 44 motorhome and fifth-wheel RV spots on top of the Alabama Gang Superstretch come with full hookups. Campers (maximum of six guests per spot) will go through the same screenings as grandstand ticket holders and have the option of coming on property during select times Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.
Those Alabama residents who had spring 2020 RV spaces and live within the 150 miles of the track should expect email communication from the track with details on how to purchase.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
