Possible Timeline For NASCAR Racing Starting Again In Texas

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is ready to see NASCAR racing return to the Lone Star state. And now, we don't mean virtual racing, we mean the real deal. Abbott has told Texas Motor Speedway to start beginning the process of rescheduling it's postponed March races. The Governor tweeted on Monday: "Just spoke to @NASCAR leaders. They’re working to return to Texas Motor Speedway very soon. I hope to announce the exciting details in the near future. To prevent the spread of #COVID19 it will be without fans. But they will put on a great show for TV.”

While the idea of racing returning without fans in the stands is not ideal, it maybe the only option the spot has in the time being. One option that Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has suggested is to have the the rescheduled spring races take place the same weekend that IndyCar was set to race at the track, June 5-6. He said this could be done as a shared weekend event at the speedway. That decision would be pending NASCAR's approval as there are already 9 postponed races that need to be rescheduled. Early indications, according to Gossage, is that NASCAR intends to return to racing on Memorial Day weekend with the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.

After the Governor's announcement, Gossage issued the follow press release:

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has given NASCAR the green flag to race, and our sport is eager to get back on track. Texas Motor Speedway will work aggressively with the sanctioning bodies and TV networks to give American society, as well as people around the world, a positive distraction during this crisis. A non-spectator event is not perfect because in our sport, the fans come first. But circumstances are such that this is a novel answer for the return of the sport for now. We are now working on a hard date.

Our sport is unique because the competitors are inside the race cars with no body-to-body contact like most other sports. That is a distinct advantage over other sports and why you will likely see auto racing as the first live sport returning to action. We appreciate the Governor's support for the return of racing at Texas Motor Speedway very soon. He's been to the races here before and has been an admirable leader throughout this crisis.