With most sports on hiatus due to the spread of COVID-19, NASCAR will likely be the first major sports organization to resume play with seven events planned for May.
On Thursday, NASCAR unveiled a new schedule, highlighted by seven races over 10 days.
The first three races will be held at Darlington Raceway, followed by four races at Charlotte Speedway. The races will be aired on FOX and FS1.
The events will be held without spectators.
“NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing, and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors, officials and all those in the local community. We thank local, state and federal officials and medical experts, as well as everyone in the industry, for the unprecedented support in our return to racing, and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track.”
NASCAR said it is taking the following precautions with its employees.
· One-day shows;
· Mandated use of personal protective equipment throughout the event;
· Health screenings for all individuals prior to entering the facility, while inside the facility and exiting the facility;
· Social distancing protocols throughout the event;
· Strict limits on the number of individuals who are granted access into each facility
