NASCAR details more on return to racing

NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer and John Bobo, Vice President Racing Operations met with at least 40 members of the media Thursday (April 30) to discuss further what changes will be coming to NASCAR when racing resumes next month.

Below are some of topics discussed during the Thursday teleconference.

SCHEDULING
With Darlington scheduled to have three total points-awarding races, it is expected tracks could lose a date.

A decision has been made on which three tracks will lose their races, but O’Donnell said NASCAR is “not ready to announce.”

An announcement will be made prior to Darlington.

The intent for the Pocono race weekend, scheduled for June 27-28, to be the first doubleheader Cup Series weekend.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

The sanctioning body plans on continuing to adhere to social distancing guidelines including teams having adequate space to work on cars in garage areas and infields of racetracks.

Spotters will be spaced out around the tops of each track.

Drivers will be forced to self-isolate at their motorhomes.

All individuals in the infield will be required to wear cloth masks.

If a team member were to test positive for COVID-19, NASCAR is requiring the person to self-isolate for two weeks.

Rosters for all three series will cap at 16 members for at-track personnel.

MEDIA
The goal is to be inclusive, but Steve O’Donnell said there is “more to come,” on what media procedures will look like.