NASCAR’s expectations of returning to on-track competition in early May at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway may have hit a snag Monday afternoon.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order for residents of his state to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that begins Monday (March 30) and extends through June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Previously, Gov. Northam had issued the same executive order from March 24 – April 23.
The sanctioning body has currently postponed all of its races through May 3 and had planned to reboot its 2020 season with the May 8-9 race weekend at the famed historic short track.
The Virginia executive order prohibits “all public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals.” The order would forbid the conduction of the Martinsville event weekend.
The Martinsville event hosts the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the NASCAR Cup Series, with its NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series remaining idle until Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
The Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 on May 9 is set to be the track’s first official night race if hosted.
NASCAR has yet to further postpone its season but is aware of the ongoing fluid situation and offered the following statement: “NASCAR is aware of the stay-at-home order issued for Virginia. We will continue discussions with public health officials and medical experts as we assess rescheduling options.”
NASCAR has consistently insisted it plans to run all 36 Cup Series scheduled races plus its All-Star race once racing resumes. It also plans to do the same with its Xfinity and Truck Series schedules too.
The state of North Carolina where most NASCAR teams operate will also be under a stay at home directive beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET Monday. It is scheduled to last until April 30.
Today I'm issuing a Stay at Home order, effective immediately.
Our message to Virginians is clear—stay home. These actions are necessary to protect public health and slow the spread of #COVID19.
Learn more: https://t.co/5SDZ23yG6G
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 30, 2020
Gov. Cooper's Stay at Home order for ALL NC goes into effect at 5 pm today.
We need everyone to stay home to #SlowTheSpread of #COVID19NC so hospitals & providers don’t get overwhelmed.
❓ Have questions about the order? Read the FAQ: https://t.co/KOZGKqNIF1#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/zKbmGOjTpL
— NCDHHS (@ncdhhs) March 30, 2020
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