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NASCAR To Host Atlanta And Homestead-Miami Races With Empty Grandstands Due To Coronavirus Scare

by Hunter Thomas March 12, 2020 0 comments

On Thursday, NASCAR announced that both race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway will continue, but drivers will compete in front of empty grandstands in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

NASCAR Statement

“At this time, NASCAR will hold its race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway without fans in attendance. These events will be restricted to competitors, crews, officials and other necessary personnel to conduct the race. We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events.”

Statement From Atlanta Motor Speedway Executive Vice President And General Manager Brandon Hutchison

“In sixty years of NASCAR history at Atlanta, this might be the most unusual circumstance we’ve ever encountered.  Our fans and their health and safety are always our top priority, and the decision to race without them was made after much discussion with NASCAR and consultation with our public health officials.  

Ticketholders for this weekend’s events will receive a full credit to return to next year’s race, or they can use their credit at any other Speedway Motorsports NASCAR event in 2020 or 2021.  We truly regret how things turned out for our fans and hope each person who planned to be here will tune in for a great show on television.  I know the NASCAR drivers want that as well. We look forward to hosting our fans during our NASCAR weekend in 2021.

Fans with further questions can call our ticket office at 770-946-4211.”

Statement from Atlanta Motor Speedway on Ticketholders:

“Ticketholders on file for these events will receive a full credit toward AMS purchases for grandstand seating, infield access, camping, fan hospitality and pit passes. The credit will be applicable towards any Speedway Motorsports NASCAR race in the remainder of 2020 or the 2021 season.

We regret the inconvenience of these circumstances and appreciate your patience and understanding. Further questions should be directed to the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 770-946-4211.”

Media Coverage Information

The NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Vet Tix Camping World 200 will broadcast live at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series EchoPark 200 will get underway on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will broadcast live on FOX at 2 p.m. ET.

Media will also have restrictions throughout the Atlanta weekend as well. Media will be allowed to work in the Media Center and Deadline Room but will not have access to the Garage, Pit Road or Victory Lane. FOX Sports, NASCAR Productions, PRN, MRN and Getty Images will have exceptions. Any driver interviews will take place via teleconference or provided by live broadcast partners and NASCAR Productions.

Photo Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images