NASCAR Releases Plans to Keep Races Going This Weekend Amid Coronavirus Fears
By Jerry Trotta
Amid the suspensions and cancellations of major sporting leagues and events across the world due to the growing fears of the coronavirus pandemic, NASCAR has remained adamant about moving forward with scheduled races.
As of Thursday, NASCAR still planned to hold races, albeit without fans, in both Miami and Atlanta this weekend. That still appears to be the case.
Despite the majority of the sporting world going on hiatus, NASCAR confirmed its intentions on Friday to go through with the Xfinity and Cup Series competitions.
NEWS: #NASCAR will run its @NASCAR_Trucks race TONIGHT and @NASCAR_Xfinity races and #NASCAR Cup Series races on SATURDAY at @amsupdates
— Jim Utter (@jim_utter) March 13, 2020
11 a.m. ET Saturday Cup qualifying
2 p.m. ET Saturday Cup race
Cup garage closed TODAY
More to follow
It's worth noting that NASCAR isn't defying the advice from public health experts. The privately-owned company released on official statement on Thursday acknowledging such consultations.
"NASCAR remains in daily consultation with public health officials and other prominent sports and entertainment properties. In addition, we have added an infectious disease specialist to our consulting physician group to provide technical assistance and to inform policy.”
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 12, 2020
At this point, you can only hope that NASCAR isn't forced into an abrupt termination of Saturday's events. With COVID-19 continuing to evolve, proceeding with these races just seems like an unnecessary risk to take.