Source: Catchfence
Chris Knight|4 days ago
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 UniFirst Chevrolet, and Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 88 Nationwide Retirement Plans Chevrolet, lead the field prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images)North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper may have extended Executive Order 120 requiring North Carolina residents to stay at home through May 8. However, there is some light at the tunnel when it comes to NASCAR.
Cooper said Thursday afternoon that race teams, most of which are based in North Carolina, are allowed to work in their shops as essential businesses as long as they are adhering to health guidelines. Cooper also said that teams were subject to restrictions imposed by local health departments.
While Iredell Country, particularly the areas of Mooresville and Statesville do not have any measures in place, the counties of Cabarrus and Mecklenburg do have certain provisions that would prohibit teams from returning to work. Those orders are set to expire next Fri., Apr. 29.
Teams that are currently bound by those provisions include Chip Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, JTG Daugherty Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Stewart Haas Racing.
“From the information, I have now, already, under our state’s executive order they can 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 different health restrictions.
The Governor also spoke of ongoing discussions surrounding NASCAR and the potential of returning to racing in the near future. NASCAR is hoping to host its Coca-Cola 600 event weekend at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend without fans in attendance.
Cooper said state health officials are reviewing proposals and a decision will be made soon.
“NASCAR is home in North Carolina,” Cooper said. “We are the home of NASCAR—and I am so grateful for this amazing sport that is in our state that not only provides people with a lot entertainment but also is an amazing economic engine for our state. I have been in contact with NASCAR officials, track owners, team owners. They have come forward with a plan to try and protect their employees with a proposal that there would be no fans in the stands.
“Right now, our public health officials are examining their proposals. They’re also talking to local governments there. There are garages in several counties around Charlotte—Cabarrus, Iredell and Mecklenburg—about how they would run their garages and to get their cars ready. They need a couple of weeks ahead of time.
“We are also reviewing with public health officials, like Dr. (Mandy) Cohen (Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) and Dr. (Elizabeth) Tilson (State Health Director)—they’re reviewing the proposals put forth by NASCAR regarding the Coca-Cola 600 and how it would be run at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, without fans, and they are examining that, and decisions will be made on that very soon.”
The chatter in the industry is that NASCAR could receive the green light to resume competition the weekend of May 15 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and while some race shops continued to work in their race shops preparing cars before the state-mandated shut downs, time will be needed to resume normal operations and prep more race cars while maintaining current health guidelines.
According to the Associated Press, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism director Duane Parrish said Thursday that Darlington could host an event this spring.
Additionally, tracks in Texas and Florida have also offered their facilities as a site to host races without fans.
Teams are eager to get back to work because of the abrupt stoppage of no revenue funneling in through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if racing can resume, teams are guaranteed a share of the television package which will be quickly distributed to the team once racing resumes.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
Chris Knight
Chris Knight (@Knighter01) has served as a senior staff writer, news editor and director of driver communications for CATCHFENCE.com since 2001.
In his 19 years with CATCHFENCE.com, Knight has covered NASCAR’s top-three series often breaking news, exclusive at-track content, while also providing in-depth race weekend coverage. He also offers insider coverage of the ARCA Menards Series, including the newly rebranded ARCA Menards Series East and West.
In addition to his active duties at CATCHFENCE.com and other Motorsports endeavors, he is also a frequent contributor to SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.cknight@catchfence.com