Ace Speedway was closed. Are other racetracks complying with NC mass gathering rules?
While Ace Speedway on Thursday temporarily lost its ability to hold racing events, concerns have been raised about three other race tracks and seven more are working closely with state health officials to abide by their guidelines.
On Thursday, An Alamance County judge ruled Ace Speedway, in Altamahaw, closed after Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, declared it an imminent hazard for allowing thousands of spectators to attend three recent racing events.
The crowds at the speedway violated the executive order Gov. Roy Cooper signed last month, restricting gatherings at outdoor venues to fewer than 25 people while the state attempts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
After the judge’s ruling, Ace Speedway canceled two racing events scheduled for Saturday and June 19.
DHHS spokeswoman Kelly Connor said health officials have received concerns about violations at three other tracks — 311 Speedway in Stokes County, Friendship Motor Speedway in Elkin and Dixieland Speedway in Elizabeth City.
“When this happens,” Connor wrote in an email to The News & Observer, “NCDHHS first notifies local officials so they can address the concerns. We also offer technical assistance on how to operate within the bounds of the order.”
311 Speedway plans for protest, fans this weekend
311 Speedway owner Mike Fulp has long planned to have spectators in attendance for races on Saturday night. Fulp told the Chatham Journal, in a story published Wednesday, he disagreed with Cooper’s rules against mass gatherings.
“I’m tired of our governor shutting our country down,” Fulp told the Chatham Journal. “Democrat or Republican, I don’t care. No one has the right to shut you down.”
On Thursday afternoon, after Superior Court Judge Thomas Lambeth ruled Ace Speedway closed, 311 Speedway in Pine Hall posted updated plans on its Facebook page. A protest to reopen the state is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. with a $20 admission fee. Those who pay to get into the protest will be able to attend the races that night for $5.
The grandstands will be open, the post said, “We will follow the orders from our Governor Roy Cooper and suggest that all race fans and race teams help us by using our hand sanitizer stations and wearing a mask.”
Fans will also be asked to social distance and not gather in crowds of more than 25 people. Markings on the ground will keep people apart while waiting in lines.
“Please make sure to follow our state guidelines,” the post said. “If we don’t they will close our doors.”
Fulp has not been working with the state to follow its guidelines for reopening, according to the NCDHHS.
Friendship Speedway, in Surry County, is advertising for its Saturday night races on its website and social media pages, listing ticket prices as $35 for pit admission, $12 for general admission and kids 10 and under admitted free.
Other speedways working with NC DHHS
Dixieland Speedway announced on its website that its races scheduled for Friday night have been canceled.
Connor wrote in an email to the N&O that Wake County Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway and GALOT Motorsports Park in Dunn worked with DHHS on plans and are racing with no spectators.
Charlotte Motor Speedway also held the nationally televised Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race on Memorial Day weekend without fans after getting approval from the state.
Southern National Speedway in Wilson County, Caraway Speedway near Asheboro and Farmington Dragway near Mocksville have been in contact with DHHS for guidance but have yet to hold racing events, Connor said.
“The collaboration and work with the speedways that have raced or are preparing to race has gone well,” Connor wrote, “and they are making the best of a difficult situation because of the pandemic.”
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 6:37 PM.