NASCAR restores more COVID protocols to protect drivers
NASCAR has once again altered its COVID protocols to limit driver exposure, following a rise in reported cases across the US.
In response to the increased quantity of cases, NASCAR reintroduced a policy to require all team personnel and media wear a face mask in enclosed areas of the track at all times, regardless of vaccination status.
This week, NASCAR has announced several additional changes – effective with this weekend’s races at World Wide Technology Raceway (Trucks) and Michigan International Speedway (Xfinity and Cup series).
Among the changes include the reduction of casual and planned contact points between essential team personnel, including drivers, and guests or fans.
This means that guests will not be permitted to access team haulers or garage stalls, and grid access for guests has been suspended until further notice.
Furthermore, drivers are prohibited from visiting suites around the circuit, although teams may host guests in controlled, outdoor, distanced meetings with drivers.
The driver movement routes will be planned to eliminate casual driver/fan interactions, which will also create a further barrier to stop any spread from visiting spectators.
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Camry FedEx Ground, A.J. Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet Camaro Hyperice, Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Ford Mustang Menards / Knauf, Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford Mustang HighPoint.com / Ford Performance Racing School
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
The driver introductions and Victory Lane will also be modified to significantly reduce the number of contacts a driver experiences through a weekend.
In addition, media covering NASCAR events will be required to wear masks when interacting with drivers and team personnel, even when outside. Media will also no longer be able to access team haulers and garage stalls.
NASCAR said the updates we being implemented on the advice of NASCAR’s consulting physicians and recently issued medical guidance.
No Cup drivers have formally tested positive for COVID this season, although Truck Series driver Chase Purdy had contracted the virus at the start of the month ahead of the Watkins Glen round, leading AJ Allmendinger to take over duties for GMS Racing - a week before his surprise Indianapolis road course victory for Kaulig Racing.
Both Jimmie Johnson and Austin Dillon tested positive for COVID last year; Johnson missed the Brickyard 400 as Justin Allgaier took over the seat, while Dillon was sidelined for the Daytona road course round in place of Kaz Grala.
Related video
Indianapolis NASCAR: Allmendinger takes shock win after chaotic race
Michigan NASCAR: Blaney vaults to victory after late restart push
NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski
NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski NASCAR Cup Atlanta: Logano takes first win of 2023 after last-lap pass on Keselowski
Kevin Harvick gets final NASCAR outing with #29 car in All-Star race
Kevin Harvick gets final NASCAR outing with #29 car in All-Star race Kevin Harvick gets final NASCAR outing with #29 car in All-Star race
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022 How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
Aitken: "Smart" driving helped AXR Cadillac win amid Sebring chaos
Aitken: "Smart" driving helped AXR Cadillac win amid Sebring chaos Aitken: "Smart" driving helped AXR Cadillac win amid Sebring chaos
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Porsche's WEC performance deficit "very obvious" at Sebring
Porsche's WEC performance deficit "very obvious" at Sebring Porsche's WEC performance deficit "very obvious" at Sebring
Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur Ferrari must not “bulls**t itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022 How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.