On Tuesday, NASCAR announced a plan to allow the return of fans to its race events beginning with the GEICO 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on June 21.
However, it comes with some stipulations for those hoping to attend.
“[I]n order to adhere to local social distancing guidelines, a limited number of guests (5,000) will be allowed in the frontstretch grandstands/towers for the GEICO 500 NASCAR Cup Series race,” a release from the speedway’s Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Communications Russell Branham said. “In addition, there will be limited motorhome/5th-wheel camping spots available outside the track high atop the Alabama Gang Superstretch.”
According to the track’s website, a total of 44 RV camping spaces outside the track atop the Alabama Gang Superstretch will also be available for purchase, with entry and screening beginning on June 19, the Friday of the GEICO 500 weekend.
The catch, however, is attendance to the June event is limited to “account holders in the State of Alabama in surrounding counties within 150 miles of Talladega Superspeedway who held tickets or camping for the 2020 GEICO 500 previously scheduled for April 26.”
However, if all goes as planned, it will be on one of the first events open to the public since the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Our frontstretch grandstands and towers are massive, measuring an incredible eight-tenths of a mile long,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton said in a statement. “That provides us ample room to be able to welcome race fans back with plenty of safe distancing between guests. NASCAR and the track staff will continue to work with health and government officials, and be ready to provide a safe experience for the NASCAR fans in attendance.”
Governor Kay Ivey voiced her support for the move in a statement also provided by Talladega Superspeedway.
“As we continually work to safely reopen our economy, I am excited to see our NASCAR fans have a chance to attend the upcoming race at Talladega Superspeedway,” Ivey said. “The folks at Talladega have been working hard to ensure they are prepared to welcome their fans back with all of the necessary health and safety protocols.”
Those unable to attend the GEICO 500can catch the action, with the green flag slated for 2:00 p.m. CDT on FOX, MRN (Motor Racing Network) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly and host of Huntsville’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN.
