Several venues in talks about holding NASCAR events in May
Several circuits are lobbying to stage the resumption of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series as soon as May despite current coronavirus-forced lockdowns
The NASCAR season has been paused since the 8 March race at Phoenix Raceway due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with the 8-9 May event at Martinsville in Virginia hoped to be the point when racing could resume.
However, NASCAR confirmed last week that this race has also been postponed, after the state of Virginia implemented further social distancing measures to quell the spread of the virus.
NASCAR recently revealed it was assessing a "potential return to racing without fans in attendance in May" at a yet-to-be-determined circuit.
This could potentially be the 24 May event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This past week, five Republican senators have lobbied North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to amend his executive order to allow a race behind closed doors at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
However, a spokesperson for the governor said it was "too soon to predict" when a race can take place.
The circuit added: "Our desire is to run the Coca-Cola 600 with fans as originally scheduled on 24 May, but realise there are unprecedented circumstances and the parameters surrounding public gatherings remain a primary consideration.
"We look forward to working with Gov. Cooper in an effort that will allow race fans to once again enjoy action on the track as we all work through these challenging times."
Before any racing can happen, Governor Cooper will have to relax North Carolina's lockdown measures regarding the closure of non-essential businesses - with the majority of Cup Series teams based in Charlotte.
On Monday, the Governor for Texas Greg Abbott stated on social media that he'd spoken with NASCAR officials and hoped to announce plans to stage a race at Texas Motor Speedway behind closed doors "very soon".
Circuit boss Eddie Gossage admitted a race without fans would be "not perfect", but would be a "novel" solution to return to racing.
"Our sport is unique because the competitors are inside the race cars with no body-to-body contact like most other sports," Gossage said.
"That is a distinct advantage over other sports and why you will likely see auto racing as the first live sport returning to action."
Plans are also afoot in Florida, with Mayor Carlos Gimenez admitting recently that it would be possible to host a race behind closed doors at Homestead - which had originally hoped to do just this last month before the race was ultimately postponed - as soon as next month.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
NASCAR Cup Texas: Late clash helps Elliott end 42-race winless streak
NASCAR Cup Martinsville: Byron leads emotional Hendrick 1-2-3
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Acosta: 2024 MotoGP title "not the priority" as expectations mount
Horner: Red Bull’s 2026 F1 engine project “hitting targets”
Mercedes becomes first F1 team to exceed £500m turnover
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
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.
Top Comments