Gov. Cooper Orders Ace Speedway to Shut Down

Cooper called the events “reckless and dangerous” to public health.

“People shouldn’t run a moneymaking operation that puts in danger not only their customers but people who come in contact with their customers,” Cooper said. “This is a reckless decision being made by the owners, pulling people together in that way that can cause spread of the virus.”

Cooper’s order said Ace Speedway could not reopen until June 22, at the earliest, and only then after its plan going forward is approved by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Alamance County officials said enforcement of the governor’s order rested with the sheriff, who said he didn’t understand why Ace Speedway had been “singled out.” Johnson said he was aware of other racing facilities around the state that had held events during May without repercussions.

NASCAR, with state approval, has held events but without fans in the stands. It has issued statements distancing itself from events at Ace, though the track has held NASCAR races in the past.

Mike Forde, a spokesman for NASCAR, said Tuesday afternoon that NASCAR would begin admitting fans to select events starting races on Sunday in Homestead, Fla., and on June 21 in Talladega, Ala. More details will be announced soon, Forde said, but fans will be screened before they enter and be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/09/sports/autoracing/coronavirus-cooper-ace-speedway.html