CONCORD, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has ordered a speedway in the state closed after it violated the state’s ban against large gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C., has held events with packed grandstands the last three weeks despite Gov. Cooper’s order banning outdoor mass gatherings of 25 people or more. The ban is part of the state’s re-opening plan, which is currently in Phase 2.
In response to the track hosting events the last three weeks, The News & Observer has reported that Gov. Cooper has deemed the facility an “imminent hazard” and ordered the track closed.
In an order obtained by The News & Observer, Gov. Cooper and Dr. Mary Cohen, secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, said the track will be allowed to re-open if they present a plan that aligns with the state’s guidelines. Any plan would need to be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The ACE Speedway facility shall be closed immediately as an imminent hazard,” the order read. “Because of this imminent hazard, ACE Speedway shall not allow races or other events to take place in its facility. ACE Speedway shall not allow any spectators to enter or attend the facility while it is closed under this Order.”
Click here to read the full order.
The order requires that Ace Speedway notify the public by 5 p.m. that its upcoming racing schedule has been canceled through June 22, but as of yet no such public statement has been made by the track. The track’s next scheduled event is June 19.
Ace Speedway most recently hosted the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour The Race At Ace 125 on Saturday evening. The event was broadcast by SPEED SPORT TV affiliate Pit Row TV.
Other tracks in the state have submitted plans to the governor and been approved, some with fans and some without.