NASCAR is preparing to drop the green flag and a very unique schedule was sent to teams
In March, NASCAR was set to open the race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, without fans. As the span of the virus took shape, the weekend was postponed.
Now, eight NASCAR races have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. But, NASCAR intends to make up all these events.
Update: NASCAR officially releases the racing schedule for May
Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper declared NASCAR teams an essential business. The door is about to swing open for the green flag to drop.
NASCAR released the following tentative schedule to teams. If everything goes to script, NASCAR is set to resume on May 17th, 2020.
Related: NASCAR Race Teams declared an essential business; Race announcement pending
Tentative NASCAR schedule
Sunday, May 17
Darlington Raceway
400
Wednesday, May 20
Darlington Raceway
310
Sunday, May 24
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Coca-Cola 600
Wednesday, May 27
Charlotte Motor Speedway
310
Sunday, May 31
Martinsville Speedway
Wednesday, June 3
Bristol Motor Speedway
Sunday, June 7
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, June 14
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Update: NASCAR officially releases the racing schedule for May
Notes on NASCAR schedule
The most interesting part of this is Darlington was not a track that saw a postponement. This means NASCAR is going where they can, as soon as they can. It also means we’re likely to see a complete shakeup of the schedule going forward.
South Carolina has eased restrictions, giving the green light to NASCAR. Per the schedule above, they’d host the first race back.
The virus is still out there and it’s going to be for a long time. That’s going to bring restrictions to the race track.
The races aren’t likely to see live pit stops. That has the potential to see many crew members at home instead of the race track. Beyond that, NASCAR is expected to limit the number of team members allowed at the track.
Additionally, face masks are rumored to be required. Officials will also likely make regular temperature checks as spoken of by the promoter of Texas Motor Speedway.
An official announcement is expected this week.
Links
NASCAR | Darlington Raceway | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Martinsville Speedway | Bristol Motor Speedway | Atlanta Motor Speedway | Homestead-Miami Speedway
