Sydney Speedway cancels opening weekend

SYDNEY — Sydney Speedway has cancelled the opening weekend of the 2020 racing season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sydney-glace Bay Highway facility was scheduled to begin the season with races on June 13-14, however, sports events are still limited to 10 people per gathering under the Nova Scotia health restrictions.

“We are hopeful that restrictions will be further eased, that we can host an event or multiple events in the 2020 season,” said Greg Dowe, owner of Sydney Speedway, in a news release.

“We urge everyone to follow the directives set out by the province of Nova Scotia and the Department of Health, to stay safe and we hope to be back racing sooner rather than later.”

When restrictions are further eased, Dowe isn’t shutting the door on competitor-only events. While it is something several tracks in the region said they would not look at, Dowe is looking at several ways to make the business model work.

“The message from competitors throughout the province is that they want to race, and we would like to be the place they come to chase checkered flags once we get the green light to do so,” said Dowe.

Track rentals for private testing will tentatively begin on Monday. Teams will be limited to four-person crews. Teams can book the track by contacting Dowe by email greg@sydenyspeedway.ca.

Further announcements on future events, including the next scheduled event, July 2526, will be made as they draw closer.