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NASCAR postpones all races through May 3 due to the coronavirus

By Charles Rahrig V

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 30:The start of the Inagural Bank of America ROVAL 400 on Sunday September 30, 2018 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord North Carolina (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 30:The start of the Inagural Bank of America ROVAL 400 on Sunday September 30, 2018 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord North Carolina (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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All NASCAR races are off through May 3 in the wake of the coronavirus.

The ongoing coronavirus has turned into a global pandemic, which has seen businesses and institutions shut down around the world. Sports have been no different as leagues have closed their doors for the time being around the globe.

What does all of this mean for NASCAR and its future?

Update (3/16): All NASCAR races are postponed until May 3 but intend to run 36 races this season.

Well if today is any indication, NASCAR has no plans to put its season on hold quite yet.

So far, NASCAR will be running its two upcoming races at Atlanta this weekend and Homestead next. According to a press release from NASCAR, they will be running these races at empty at tracks for the safety of everyone that will be involved.

The events will be restricted to drivers, crew members, officials and other essential personnel.

The release only mentions the following two races at Atlanta and Homestead, so the future of the others on the schedule has yet not been determined at this time. NASCAR is handling things the same away as the PGA, who is operating without fans as well. It also is different from what we are seeing from other sports leagues.

Continuing with events in an empty venue setting is different from that of the NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS who have chosen to suspend or pause their season in the interim as countries around the world combat coronavirus. It is not yet clear when those leagues will make their return.

Things can always change, but for now, the plan of action is to continue forward with the schedule until the season is either suspended or paused. The NBA was reportedly leaning toward originally playing their games in an empty arena setting, but they opted to suspend their season following the positive coronavirus test of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

No drivers, crew members or officials have officially tested positive for the coronavirus yet. So far, four races have been completed in the early stages of the Monster Energy Cup Series. Joey Logano leads with two victories to his tally.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.

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