Coronavirus: NASCAR Postpones Races In Atlanta, Miami

Mooresville NC

13 March, 2020

1:36 PM

Description

MOORESVILLE, NC — Citing concerns for drivers, crews and fans, NASCAR is postponing its race lineup in Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next week, it announced Friday. The move comes as presumptive cases of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, increase around the country, including Georgia and Florida. "NASCAR has decided to postpone the race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend. We believe this decision is in the best interest of the safety and well-being of our fans, competitors, officials and everyone associated with our sport. The decision comes as an abrupt change from its decision made a day earlier to go forward with the two races, but without fans and "restricted to competitors, crews, officials, and other necessary personnel to conduct the race." More than 40 cases each have been reported in Georgia, and Florida. NASCAR did not close the door on more schedule changes in the future. "We will continue to monitor this dynamic situation as we assess future race events," it said Friday. Don't miss updates about precautions in North Carolina as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters. Globally, more than 137,000 people have been infected and at least 5,088 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Friday afternoon. Of that total, nearly 1,300 cases have been confirmed in the United States. As of Friday afternoon in North Carolina, there were 15 confirmed or presumed positive cases of the new coronavirus in seven counties, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Those counties include: Mecklenburg, Cabbarus, Forsyth, Durham, Chatham, Wake and Johnston. RELATED: Coronavirus Outbreak: Tips To Prepare At Home To Avoid Coronavirus, Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down: CDC Coronavirus: NC Colleges Move Online, Extend Spring Break Gov. Cooper Declared A State Of Emergency. What Does That Mean?