Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Several motorsports facilities and tracks across the nation announced plans to reopen and host race events, while following recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). |
Race Tracks Announce Plans to Open Gates
Several motorsports facilities and tracks across the nation announced plans to reopen and host race events, while following recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). SEMA has also released a Coronavirus Updates & Resources page.
California
Perris Auto Speedway
Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian has announced the half-mile clay oval will open its 2020 season on May 23, with the annual “Salute to Indy” event featuring the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. The track will also open for private practice sessions as soon as May 2. For more information on the practice sessions and its guidelines, visit here. For more information, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com.
Georgia
Gresham Motorsports Park
Local drivers can schedule a private practice session at Gresham Motorsports Park in accordance with up-to-date social distancing regulations. To schedule a session, contact info@racegmp.com. Additionally, Gresham Motorsports Park has delayed the Peach State Classic until October 23-25. For more information, visit www.racegmp.com.
Iowa
Knoxville Raceway
Officials have announced the Knoxville Raceway season opener is set for Saturday, May 16. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.
North Carolina
Tri-County Race Track
The Schaeffer’s Oil Tarheel Invitational presented by PitStopUSA.com, a 40-lap Super Late Model event, is scheduled to take place April 30 without fans in attendance. Track officials have contacted local authorities for approval to run the event. For more information, visit www.tricountyracetrack.net.
Ohio
Brushcreek Motorsports Complex
In close consultation with local officials and stringent adherence to state guidelines, including executive orders from Governor Mike Dewine, Brushcreek Motorsports Complex in Peebles, Ohio, will host its 20th annual season-opening event on Saturday, May 9, featuring UMP-style late models, modifieds, Legend cars and more. Although no spectators will be allowed in the grandstands, the BMC website has information on extremely limited trackside parking. Participants will be limited with carefully placed parking areas a recommended distance away. Fans are encouraged to support the track and the industry by tuning into the broadcast on Pit Row TV. For more information, including the government regulations that will be implemented on race day, visit www.brushcreekmotorsports.com.
Tennessee
Four Eastern Tennessee dirt track owners, Mitch McCarter (411 Speedway), Roger Sellers (Smoky Mountain Speedway), Gary Hall (Tazewell Speedway) and Landon Stallard (Volunteer Speedway) have agreed on a revised schedule of events for the 2020 season. The calendar opens Saturday, May 2, at 411 with a $2,500-to-win Topless Outlaws event. An open practice will also be held at Tazewell the same night. The following week, Tazewell and Volunteer will host their respective weekly racing series. For more information and the complete schedules, visit here or visit www.411motorspeedway.net.
South Carolina
Cherokee Speedway
The inaugural Palmetto Invitational paying $10,000-to-win Super Late Model event is set to take place on May 2. Fans can watch the pay-per-view race on Speed51.com, as no spectators will be allowed in the stands. The track will also host closed practice sessions. For more information, visit www.cherokeespeedwaysc.com.
Darlington Dragway
Darlington Dragway, with permission from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, will hold test sessions under strict guidelines, as reported by Drag Illustrated. Guidelines include social distancing, temperature checks, and no spectators. Deputies will be on hand to ensure the guidelines are followed. For more information, visit www.racedarlingtondragway.com.
Wisconsin
Slinger Super Speedway
Although some events through May have been canceled, Slinger Super Speedway plans to return to racing May 17, when Super Late Models will take to the track, followed by the EH Wolf & Sons Memorial Day Spectacular on May 24. For more information, visit www.slingersuperspeedway.com.
 Terry McMillen and the AMALIE Motor Oil team was crowned the inaugural VRHRA Top Fuel champion. |
Terry McMillen Wins VRHRA Championship
Born the day after the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals was postponed, the Virtual Reality Drag Racing Association (VRHRA) was the brainchild of CompetitionPlus.com founder and publisher Bobby Bennett and his staff. The goal was a four-race fan vote series. Soon after the beginning of this endeavor Bennett contracted COVID-19 and his staff pressed on running the events and eventually crowning Terry McMillen and the AMALIE Motor Oil team the inaugural VRHRA Top Fuel champion. The events netted a total in excess of 1.1 million fan votes and McMillen garnered the lion share throughout the series advancing to three final rounds, winning twice and picking up two No. 1 qualifiers. With the win in the series finale, McMillen locked up his second win and the series championship. He nudged out Kalitta Motorsports Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon in the final round for the race victory. It was his second round win over No. 1 qualifier Justin Ashley that clinched the inaugural Top Fuel crown. McMillen and his Amalie Motor Oil team continue to work in their shop preparing for the conclusion of the NHRA season currently scheduled to restart the first weekend of June with the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.
NASCAR Teams May Return To Work, Deemed “Essential”
NASCAR’s North Carolina-based teams may be able to return to work soon, as announced by State Governor Roy Cooper during a press conference earlier this week. Although the state's stay-at-home order has been extended through May 8, Gov. Cooper said that it was his understanding that NASCAR teams were allowed to remain open under the current state executive order. Gov. Cooper also announced he is in discussions with NASCAR officials, track owners and team owners in regard to the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend. There is a possibility for the race to commence without fans, but an official announcement will be made "pretty soon." For the latest NASCAR schedule, visit www.nascar.com.
SCORE Revises 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship Schedule
Adjusting to the changing times, SCORE International has announced further revisions of its 2020 racing schedule with new race dates for the first two events. The three rounds of the revised 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship will start with a new date for the SCORE Baja 500 (July 14–19), a new date for the SCORE San Felipe 250 (September 22-27) and the previously announced season-ending SCORE Baja 1000 (November 17-22). For additional information, visit the SCORE website at www.score-international.com.
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SpeedVideo.com to Broadcast Of Winter Meltdown 5 No-Prep Shootout
Speedvideo will broadcast the Winter Meltdown 5 No-Prep Shootout, December 4-5, 2020. According to Winter Meltdown 5 organizer Matt Plotkin of Project X Promotions, this will be a true no-prep event that will challenge both drivers and tuners to navigate the track. Winter Meltdown 5 will feature Big Tire, Small Tire, True Street, King of the Tailgate, Full-Size Truck, 6.0 Index, 7.0 Index, and Junior Dragsters classes. Speedvideo.com will broadcast Winter Meltdown to annual or monthly subscribers.
For more racing news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.