[Editor’s Note: This news story has been updated on March 12, 2020. For the latest on NASCAR’s race day operations, visit here.]

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), NASCAR officials have announced several adjustments to race event operations, which will go into effect this weekend at Atlanta and remain that way “indefinitely.”

Media coverage procedures have been modified, as well as driver appearances, pre- and post-race activities, and victory lane celebrations.

The complete changes are below. Those with questions are advised to reach out to the NASCAR Communications staff.

Of note to media covering the race event on-site:
 
     ·    Driver Crew Chief meeting. This meeting will be held in open-air locations across all series and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries. NASCAR Communications will alert you of any updates or driver questions resulting from that meeting, and the driver/crew chief meeting video will be available to view on NASCAR.com.
 
     ·    Driver at track media availabilities. The informal rotations for all three series will be changed to press conferences on the riser in the media center. Full-field driver availabilities during qualifying, infield care center driver availability and post-race bullpen will remain in effect, but with a 6-foot buffer in place. The weekend media availability schedule is attached.
 
Additional measures being implemented include:
 
     ·    Track Services meeting. This meeting will be held in open-air locations across all series.
 
     ·   Team haulers. NASCAR recommends that access to team haulers be restricted to necessary personnel at the team’s discretion.
 
     ·    Driver appearances. Should be structured to ensure that drivers are visible to fans in an open-air setting, such as Q&A sessions.
 
     ·    Driver autographs. Drivers should pre-sign items whenever possible, carry their own Sharpie and hero cards should be the primary form for all autographs.
 
     ·    Pre-race and post-race activities (driver introductions, grid & victory lane). We will provide a 6-foot buffer around the grid and driver introduction stage.
 
      ·    Advance in-market driver appearances. All advance appearances will be replaced with remote media activities and/or rescheduled for a later date in coordination with racetracks. 
 
     ·    At track evaluation process. All individuals coming to the infield care center demonstrating symptoms potentially consistent with coronavirus will be appropriately handled by medical professionals. All facilities have been provided a standard operating process following CDC guidelines.
 
For more information, visit nascar.com.