NASCAR teams can work in race shops
The governor of North Carolina said Thursday that NASCAR teams can work in their race shops if they maintain social distancing guidelines, clearing a potential hurdle to resuming the season soon.
Gov. Roy Cooper extended the state’s stay-at-home order through May 8 on Thursday and said he would gradually open the state in three phases. He said he’s still considering NASCAR’s request to run the Coca-Cola 600 as scheduled on May 24 without spectators.
The governors of both Florida and Texas have already said NASCAR is welcome to race in their states without fans, and South Carolina and Georgia are gradually easing restrictions.
For any racing to be done, the North Carolina-based teams need access to their shops to prep the cars.
“From the information that I have now, already under our state executive order, they could begin working in their garages as an essential business defined under our executive order,” Cooper said. “They are still in contact with local health departments that local governments may have some different health restrictions.”
As for Charlotte hosting the 600 on Memorial Day weekend, Cooper said public health officials are examining proposals for events without spectators submitted by NASCAR.
“We are the home of NASCAR, and I’m so grateful for this amazing sport that is in our state that not only provides people with a lot of entertainment, but also has an amazing economic engine for our state,” Cooper said. “I’ve been in contact with NASCAR officials, track owners, team owners. They have come forward with a plan to try and protect their employees. So we’ll be coming forward with an announcement on that pretty soon.”
NASCAR ran just four of its 36 races this season before competition was suspended March 13.