MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Officials from a pair of Virginia tracks, Richmond Raceway and Martinsville Speedway, have confirmed that the two tracks will host a limited number of fans when NASCAR visits each venue in April.
The change comes after Governor Ralph Northam announced an increase in fan limits at sporting events earlier this week as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Limited fans will be in attendance when Martinsville Speedway hosts the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 200 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race on Thursday, April 8, the Cook Out 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash race on Friday, April 9 at 8 p.m. and the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m.
“With the increase in limited fan capacity for entertainment venues across the Commonwealth of Virginia, we will be ready to welcome back more race fans for a safe, exciting race experience at Martinsville Speedway,” said Martinsville President Clay Campbell. “We look forward to hearing more of our loyal race fans cheer on the action for our first-ever three race weekend of night races on April 8-10.”
At Richmond Raceway, limited fans will be welcome during the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 17-18. Richmond will host the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. and Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 18 at 3:00 p.m.
“With the announcement by Governor Ralph Northam to increase the limited fan capacity for entertainment venues across the Commonwealth of Virginia, we will now be able to officially welcome fans back to Richmond Raceway for the first time in 18 months,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “Thanks to Governor Northam and his administration for their support and collaboration to bring fans back for a safe and exciting race experience at America’s Premier Short Track to celebrate our 75th anniversary season beginning with the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 17-18.”
As a result of the seating capacity limitations at both venues, many guests have had their grandstand seats relocated. In addition to encouraging distancing throughout the venue, all guests will be screened before entering the facility at staggered entry times and will be required to wear face coverings.
Multiple hand washing and hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the operating areas and entrances and a clean team of staff, clearly identified for guests, will be cleaning or disinfecting at all times.