Motorsport TechnologyFollowing on from the postponement of the race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, NASCAR has announced the extension of race postponements until May 3.
Due to the advice from the World Health Organisation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the forthcoming races at Texas Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Richmond Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway and Dover International Speedway have also been put on ice.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 16, 2020
“The health and safety of our fans, industry and the communities in which we race is our most important priority, so in accordance with recent CDC guidance, NASCAR is currently postponing all race events through May 3rd, with plans to return racing in Martinsville,” read a NASCAR statement released on Monday evening.
“We appreciate the patience of our fans and we look forward to returning to the race track. We intend to hold all 36 races this season, with future rescheduling soon to be determined as we continue to monitor this situation closely with public health officials and medical experts. What is important now transcends the world of sports and our focus is on everyone’s safety and well-being as we navigate this challenging time together.”
NASCAR President Steve Phelps also took time out on Tuesday to share an open letter with all fans of the sport on social media, thanking them for their patience in what is not only a difficult time for motorsport, but the world in general.
“The decision was made to ensure the health and safety of our fans, competitors and all those employed across our sport,” read Phelps’ statement. “We understand the decision not to race is met with some feelings of disappointment. After all, it’s the thrill of the race that attracts us to NASCAR and makes us all fans.
“But as we look broadly at the coronavirus situation that is rapidly developing in our country and abroad, what is important now is bigger than the world of sports, and we must focus on everyone’s safety and well-being.”
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 17, 2020
