CONCORD, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is unhappy with Ace Speedway officials after the track played host to multiple events with fans in the stands.
The track, a four-tenths-mile paved oval, hosted Saturday’s CARS Late Model Stock Tour The Race At Ace 125, which was won by Ryan Millington. The track is located in the town of Altamahaw in Alamance County
North Carolina’s re-opening plan is currently in Phase 2, which limits gatherings to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors as the state continues to return to normal amid the COVID-10 pandemic. The track hosted considerably more fans than that during Saturday’s race based on video provided by SPEED SPORT TV affiliate Pit Row TV.
Prior to Saturday’s race at Ace Speedway a sign was placed in front of the track that read, “This Event is held in PEACEFUL Protest of Injustice & Inequality Everywhere — Ace Speedway.”
During Monday’s media briefing Gov. Cooper was asked about Ace Speedway’s decision to run events with fans in spite of the state mandate.
“People shouldn’t run a money-making operation that puts in danger, not only their customers, but anybody who would come into contact with their customers,” Gov. Cooper said. “This is a reckless decision being made by the owners, pulling people together in that way that can cause the spread of the virus.
“Alamance County is one of the counties that is having higher numbers than it should have. We look forward to taking some action on this in the coming week.
“It’s concerning that Alamance officials have not been able to stop this. We would hope that they could. But if they can’t, then the state will have to take action, which we will do this week, if the local officials don’t.”
Gov. Cooper’s statement comes after he sent a letter to Alamance county officials, including Sheriff Terry Johnson, requesting they enforce his ban on outdoor events featuring 25 or more people.
According to a report from WFMY 2 News, Johnson will not issue Ace Speedway a fine for hosting the event on Saturday in defiance of Gov. Cooper’s order.