Charlotte Motor Speedway lifts capacity restrictions for May races after Cooper ends mandate

CONCORD, N.C. — Following North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s latest executive order that lifts all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, officials at Charlotte Motor Speedway announced it will operate at full capacity during its May racing events, including this weekend’s NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend.

ALSO READ: Cooper lifts all gathering, distancing limits and most mask requirements in NC

In addition, per the executive order announced Friday, fans will no longer be required to wear face masks or coverings at outdoor venues. However, state officials do encourage fans who have not been vaccinated to wear a face mask.

“We are thrilled with today’s news that will allow fans to return to America’s Home for Racing without limitation,” the speedway’s executive vice president and general manager Greg Walter said in a news release. “From the outset of the pandemic, whether operating a drive-through testing clinic or hosting the state’s first mass vaccination event, this has been the ultimate goal – to get back to filling the grandstands for the biggest, most entertaining events in motorsports.”

The order, which goes into effect immediately, lifts restrictions for race fans starting with Saturday’s NGK NKT NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, which had reached capacity under previous restrictions.

It also clears the way for the speedway’s first triple-header weekend over the Memorial Day holiday that will feature NASCAR’s top three premier series – the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on May 28; the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 on May 29; and the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on May 30.

Tickets for all upcoming events at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Fans attending either race weekend will also have the opportunity to receive a Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccination on site. Vaccines will be administered by Atrium Health to anyone 18 years old or older at no cost. No appointment is necessary.

(WATCH: CDC eases mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated Americans)