GOP senators ask NC governor to allow racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway

RALEIGH, N.C. — Five Republican state senators are asking North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to allow NASCAR races, without fans, next month at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Senators Kathy Harrington (R-Gaston), Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), Todd Johnson (R-Union), Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell) and Carl Ford (R-Rowan) are leading the proposal.

“It is gonna be a huge thing, not only for the morale of our area, the morale of our state, but the morale of sports fans across this country,” Johnson said

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In a normal year, NASCAR would run the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte track over Memorial Day weekend.

“I’m optimistic,” Johnson said. “I hope that he will. I hope he’ll do the right thing and again, this is that first step that allows us to kind of start feeling like Americans again.”

Like other, sports, though, NASCAR’s schedule has been upended by the coronavirus.

“I think it would mark the grand reopening of our state,” Newton said.

NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron said it would be great to be back in his home track next month for the Coca-Cola 600.

“To really have that race would be symbolic of what racing could be like for us again,” Byron said.

NASCAR said Friday it hopes to resume racing at some point in May without fans in the stands.

“NASCAR has already demonstrated it can safely run races without fans while practicing social distancing,” Newton said. “Governor Cooper should allow racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”

In a statement, Cooper said he has been talking with track and team owners about restarting racing, but any plan would prioritize public health and safety.

Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith also sent a statement saying he looks forward to working with Cooper in an effort to allow race fans to enjoy the action on the track.

Byron said racing without fans would be weird but when that time comes, he’ll be ready.

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On Sunday, the senators said allowing a race at Charlotte would require the governor to amend his executive order. They said Florida has reopened tracks for NASCAR races without fans and believe other states will do the same.

“People are going stir-crazy with very few live sports underway, and allowing NASCAR racing in Charlotte would be a good first step toward returning to some semblance of normalcy," Johnson said.

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