Oklahoma Among States Allowing 100% Fan Capacity  

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Port City Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

Although some race tracks have axed their 2020 plans due to coronavirus—noting that events without fans are not financially feasible—several facilities report healthy car counts and scores of spectators, thanks in part to state guidelines that support socially distanced activities.     

One of those is Oklahoma, which fully reopened race tracks, alongside movie theaters, bowling alleys, outdoor concerts, sporting events, and rodeos, as part of its latest mandates issued on May 30. Social distance guidelines are at the discretion of the business owner or local officials, along with sanitation and disinfection, although considerations are mentioned. No fan capacity limits are enforced.  

Of nearly 20 currently active Oklahoma-based facilities, all but one are hosting events in August, with most websites mentioning social distancing, face coverings, and handwashing precautions.   

One of those tracks is Port City Raceway in Tulsa, which hosted its “Quarantine Make Up” points race on Saturday, August 15, a replacement for one of six events lost when gates were shuttered mid-March through mid-May. The remainder of its calendar includes six events, highlighted by the 21st Annual Pete Frazier Memorial on September 4-5, and the RUJO Rumble on October 2-3.  

“Our local authorities asked us to remind everybody to keep six feet apart and practice cleanliness. Our very first event back [in mid-May], we offered limited seating, but the very next weekend, we were fully reopened,” Port City Raceway President Mike Eubanks told us. “We are averaging about 350-400 fans [per weekend now], and our facility can seat over 1,000, so we can accommodate the spacing. Everyone spreads out. 

“We also have extra handwashing stations, signage before and after you enter, around concessions and  restrooms,” he added. “Basically, any place where people would normally be congregating—all the precautions are there.”    

Oklahoma’s guidelines are similar to three other states’ in that they do not cap spectator attendance, according to language from the latest executive orders that affect racing found on PRI’s state-by-state race track reopening directory. Georgia, North Dakota, and South Dakota also allow motorsports facilities to operate at 100% capacity. 

Such mandates also allow for fewer legal hurdles to hosting race events.   

“If you look at the states that have larger or no capacity limits, they have all put out clear and concise guidance that allows businesses to operate unimpeded,” said Christian Robinson of PRI’s Government Affairs team. “This is important because the safe resumption of racing provides desperately needed economic stimulus to communities all around the country. Race tracks are job creators. More importantly, they also provide a morale boost to residents. 

“There’s a saying in politics that if you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu,” Robinson added. “PRI’s Government Affairs team is working tirelessly to ensure that track operators and promoters have a seat at the table as states reopen their economies.”  

For more information, or for assistance in safely hosting race events that adhere to state and local guidelines, visit PRI’s Track Promoter Information webpage here

“Have people get out and support their local race track [where they can],” Eubanks concluded. Be as safe as possible. It’s like anything. You come to something because you want to; nobody is made to come.”  

For the latest coronavirus-related information and resources for the motorsports community, visit performanceracing.com/corona-updates/, or PRI's state-by-state directory at pages.message.performanceracing.com/racetrack-info-state-list/.   

Photo courtesy of Port City Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma

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