4/23/20 Just thought we'd try and update everyone as to auto racing's status right now as we deal with this COVID-19 disaster. The overwhelming majority of states have SaferAtHome rules in place, and most have a limit as to how many people can be at a gathering. With that being said, AS OF TODAY, all 3 IRA divisions with events scheduled in Wisconsin through May 26th are OFF based on the Governor's order. However we are NOT officially giving up on all of May yet. While we know that order is being challenged, it's gonna be some time before courts determine if that order can be changed, and even if it is, what the number at a "gathering" will be increased to. While trying to stay optimistic, and simply providing an update every week to 10-days or so, we can atleast tell teams that events scheduled April 25, May 1, May 2, and May 9 are NOT going to take place on those dates, at the very least. The 410 series has an event scheduled at Jackson MN on May 15th which is still on, as of now. We are watching closely in regards to what each state is doing, and if some within a reasonable distance can get opened before WI, we may look at going to locations in those "opened" states, but we fully believe there won't be anything anywhere for us til May 15th at the very earliest, and even that isn't a sure thing. We are in constant contact with tracks throughout the country, and honestly nobody truly knows when any of us will get the green flag, but what we do know is that when we do, it won't initially be the same as what any of us are used to. It's tough for any track or sanction to truly announce when they'll be opening for an actual race at this point, some tracks in WI already released cancellations of their schedules thru May 26th based on the Governor's order, while some are taking it the every couple week approach as we are, with the hopes that something positive may change things. It's a major challenge for any track right now as none truly know the restrictions and rules they'll have to try and adhere to, regarding number of fans, competitors, what they can do regarding food & beverage, and what additional safety measures they'll HAVE TO take. Nothing is truly etched in stone, but I can assure you that our industry has been hit hard. We'll continue to update everyone as we learn things. Schedules may simply pick up where they left off, or very possibly change dramatically based on touring series schedules, special event changes, etc... and also if rules put in place by the government are so restrictive for a track to be profitable, which could force some to not open at all. Nobody truly knows the answers, but we're all trying very hard, and we're paying attention to new guidelines and practices to keep fans and competitors as safe as possible during these times. Feel free to call if you have any questions. We can't wait to see everyone at a track, hopefully very soon. In the meantime, we hope you and your loved ones are healthy, and working. Be safe.....
- Kim Tennyson on Apr 23, 2020
- Article Date: 4/23/2020 by Steve Sinclair