As numerous NASCAR Cup Series midsummer dates do the same, the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will allow limited attendance. On Thursday, the track announced New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu has approved a “comprehensive action plan to allow fans to attend the rescheduled Foxwoods Resort Casino 301”. The race was initially scheduled for 19 July before being moved to 2 August as part of NASCAR’s revised COVID-19 schedule.
“Holding New England’s premier NASCAR race this summer here in New Hampshire has always been a priority,” Sununu stated. “The state worked closely with the folks at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the New Hampshire Division of Public Health to put forward comprehensive, operational guidance. While the stands will not be as full as they usually are, we are proud to be able to hold an in-person viewing experience for NASCAR fans.”
Sununu followed up by tweeting that “the speedway can operate at UP TO 35% capacity in the grandstands to allow for proper social distancing.”
Since early June’s Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NASCAR has slowly allowed tracks to let fans attend races, with last Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway admitting 5,000. Mid-July’s All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway intends to allow 30,000, while Texas Motor Speedway‘s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, which takes over Loudon’s 19 July date, will also permit attendance.
The 301 will be the first major sporting event in the New England region to allow spectators since the COVID-19 lockdown. Social distancing measures will be in place, while baggage dimensions will be limited to 14x14x14 inches. Coolers and paper money will also be prohibited, with the latter being substituted by cards and Apple Pay.
A waiver form was also posted on the track’s website, outlining orders that attendees must follow or “risk ejection”, including wearing face coverings (for those over three years of age) and participating in temperature checks and questionnaires.
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to Gov. Sununu, our state and local health officials and NASCAR for their unwavering support through this unprecedented time, as they have all played a significant role in making this happen,” speedway general manager David McGrath said. “We’re extremely excited to welcome race fans to ‘The Magic Mile’ to enjoy the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 and to help us celebrate our 30th anniversary season.”
