New Coalition Calls For Safe Reopening Of New York State Race Tracks

Story By: PERFORMANCE RACING INDUSTRY – ALISO VIEJO, CA – A new group, the New York Motorsports Coalition (NYMC), has been formed to raise awareness for the motorsports industry and advocate for racing in the state.

Supported by Performance Racing Industry (PRI) and owners and operators of motorsports facilities, the coalition is committed to helping race facilities reopen and operate safely.

Under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s current New York Forward reopening plan, motorsports facilities may not open doors to spectators. As a result, New Yorkers must travel to neighboring states to enjoy racing, resulting in lost revenue for race tracks in the Empire State.

In response, NYMC members have formulated a three-step plan to reopen racing to the public in New York.

The NYMC’s plan, which calls for a phased approach to reopening race tracks beginning this month, begins with 40 percent of a venue’s total capacity and reaches 100 percent by January 1, 2021. The full plan can be found here.

State of New York Motorsports Opening Plan Summary

• Beginning August 28, race tracks will be permitted at 40% of the total venue capacity for spectator events. Masks and social distancing practices for participants and spectators.
• Beginning September 19 through the 2020 season, race tracks will be permitted to reopen at 70% of the total venue capacity for spectator events. Masks and social distancing practices for participants and spectators.
• Beginning January 1, 2021, race tracks and entertainment venues will be permitted to reopen at 100% of the total venue capacity for spectator events. Social distancing practices for participants and spectators.

PRI is encouraging racing enthusiasts and impacted businesses to contact Governor Cuomo in support of NYMC’s proposal here.

“The safe resumption of racing with spectators would provide desperately needed economic stimulus to New York and a morale boost to its residents,” said PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer. “As a New York native, I’m especially vested in working with PRI and the New York Motorsports Coalition to get the Empire State back on track and racing again.”