Republican lawmakers call on NC and Florida governors to reopen tracks (Update)

Homestead also happy to race without fans

UPDATE The pressure began mounting in the days following Florida Gov. Ron Desantis declaring a plan to reopen his state economy—specifically calling a plan to host empty venue sporting events such as NASCAR.

Homestead, Florida, mayor Steven Losner would like to host the first NASCAR race back at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which was postponed last month due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"We would welcome the opportunity to be the host community for the first race, with or without fans," Losner said. "The event would send a strong signal that things are better and reopening the NASCAR season here would be very symbolic of recovery as the track was envisioned for Homestead as one of the first anchors of our recovery from Hurricane Andrew."

In a report filed from WBTV-CBS in Charlotte, state senators from Gaston, Cabarrus, Union, Iredell and Rowan counties in North Carolina joined together to call for the governor to reopen race shops and prepare for racing activities.

"NASCAR has already demonstrated it can safely run races without fans while practicing social distancing," Sen. Paul Newton, of Cabarrus County, said in a press release.

"People are going stir crazy with very few live sports underway," Union County Sen. Todd Johnson said. "And allowing NASCAR racing in Charlotte would be a good first step toward returning to some semblance of normalcy. Gov. Cooper should permit fan-less racing."

Charlotte willing to run on Memorial Day weekend without fans

04/20/20 Several Republican lawmakers in North Carolina’s General Assembly are calling on Gov. Roy Cooper to reopen Charlotte Motor Speedway in time for a Memorial Day NASCAR race.

The plan would call for racing with no fans. The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for May 24.

This would be the 60th anniversary of Coke 600. The hope, according to lawmakers, would be to run the Memorial Day race without fans in attendance, but be broadcasted as originally scheduled.

Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith said on Sunday night that he would prefer to run the iconic race with fans in the stands, but will abide by guidelines determined by the status of the pandemic.

“Our desire is to run the Coca-Cola 600 with fans as originally scheduled on May 24, but we realize these are unprecedented circumstances and the parameters surrounding public gatherings remain a primary consideration," said Smith. “We look forward to working with Gov. Cooper in an effort that will allow race fans to once again enjoy action on the track as we all work through these challenging times.

"For 60 years, this race has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and we want to do everything possible to support NASCAR, the dozens of race teams in North Carolina and the fans to get back on track. We will work with the governor, state and local government and health officials to make that happen."

The lawmakers noted that Florida recently amended its stay at home order to allow for racing without fans.