Dover Speedway submits request to have fans at May’s NASCAR races

Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, is hoping that when NASCAR’s top drivers return to Delaware for a tripleheader weekend of racing May 14-16, climaxed by the Drydene 400 Cup Series race, some fans will be allowed to attend.

Mr. Tatoian said the racetrack has submitted a plan to the Delaware Division of Public Health and is waiting to hear back very soon.

“We have submitted a comprehensive plan to state health officials that includes appropriate health and safety protocols to keep our fans and the NASCAR industry safe,” Mr. Tatoian said. “To date, we have had positive conversations with them and should know in the coming days as to what the health officials believe to be a safe environment for us to operate for our race weekend.”

It appears as if Dover could eventually fall in line with just about every other facility that has hosted NASCAR events this year by limiting attendance to around 20% capacity to allow social distancing. If Dover were permitted to reach that threshold, it could potentially host around 12,000 fans.

Mr. Tatoian certainly hopes fans will be in attendance, considering the excitement that has been generated over the first portion of this Cup season — with seven different winners in the first seven races.