NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway in July will include fans
Texas Motor Speedway hosted the state’s first signature sporting event to return amid the coronavirus pandemic with the IndyCar opener earlier this month.
Now it’ll be the first big-time venue to welcome fans back.
Track president Eddie Gossage announced Friday that fans would be allowed to attend the NASCAR Cup Series’ O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, July 19.
The Xfinity Series and truck race on Saturday, July 18, will be closed to the public.
NASCAR opened its doors to 1,000 fans last Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and will allow up to 5,000 fans at this Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
The state of Texas is allowing outdoor venues to seat up to 50% capacity. That is expected to be about 62,500 at TMS, although that does not mean the track will host that many fans. An official number of how many fans will be allowed to attend is unknown at this point.
But fans will be on hand.
“Texans are eager for sporting and entertainment events to return, and this is a great step towards that goal,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. “As we continue to open Texas, it is essential that we do so in a way that keeps Texans safe and limits the spread of COVID-19. Texas Motor Speedway has put a tremendous amount of work, time, and energy into ensuring that this race meets all the necessary safety and health standards, and I applaud them for this effort.
“As with any public event or gathering, I urge all Texans to make smart decisions to protect their health, including wearing a face mask, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing. Texans are excited for NASCAR and are ready to return to the grandstands, and I thank Texas Motor Speedway for making sure that we do this in a safe and smart way.”
TMS will establish social distancing measures in the grandstands and concession lines. There will be enhanced cleaning and sanitation stations in high-traffic areas. Additionally, the track is going to mobile-only tickets for the race instead of hard tickets.
Season-ticket holders, or fans who have already purchased tickets, are subject to be re-assigned seats at the race to ensure social distancing measures.
The track said fans who purchased tickets for the originally scheduled race in March and who do not want to attend now may receive a 120% credit for a future event at any Speedway Motorsports facility or a full refund. More information on the track’s protocols is available on its website.
Gossage said in a statement that he appreciated Abbott and NASCAR working with the track to allow fans. “Safety remains the primary focus for everyone who takes part in the weekend events, from fans to competitors, officials and track staff, so we continue to work with federal and state officials to comply with both Texas and CDC recommendations and requirements.”
The race is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.
This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
