Knoxville Raceway shuts down 2020 season

The Iowa dirt track has canceled the remainder of the 2020 racing season

Once a sign of hope, Knoxville Raceway hosted one of the first dirt racing events since the March lockdowns began. The track has been hosting events with limited crowd capacity ever since.

Two weeks ago, the track hosted the ‘One and Only’. The dirt sprint car event was the replacement event for the famed Knoxville Nationals.

Related: Jimmie Johnson fears we’re all going to catch the virus at some point

After the event, multiple drivers and crew members tested positive for COVID-19. Drivers Daryn Pittman and Paul McMahan both tested positive.

With drivers and crew members sick across more than just those two teams, several were forced to skip the latest weekend of racing. Kraig Kinser Racing and Roth Motorsports sat home.

Additionally, several track officials also tested positive.

Related: Multiple World of Outlaws Series drivers test positive for COVID-19 after Knoxville Raceway

Knoxville Raceway cancels 2020 season due to COVID-19

Now, the track is taking a step back. They have announced the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season.

The Marion County Fair Association along with Knoxville Raceway voted to cancel the remainder of the 2020 racing season.

“The health and safety of our fans, competitors and employees is our top priority,” said Brian Bailey, Marion County Fair Association President.

“Several individuals tested positive for COVID-19 following our most recent race. In light of that information, we feel that returning to racing this weekend would be premature. Additionally, a large-scale event like the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals won’t be in the best interests of the track or the community at this time.

He added, “None of us like to see the race season end this way, but we’re confident this is the right decision for all parties.”

The following events will be affected by this decision:

August 28
Busch Light Night

August 29
Iowa Corn Growers Association Districts 5 & 9 Night

September 17-19
Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals

September 25
Knoxville Championship Series

September 26
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics/Slideways Night

Tickets and camping for the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals will be automatically refunded.

The 2021 Knoxville Raceway season is scheduled to begin with the Pella Motors/Kraig Ford Season Opener on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

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Knoxville Raceway | World of Outlaws | Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

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