After missing eight races on the 2020 schedule because of the global COVID-19 crisis, NASCAR is returning to the race track for the first time since early March.
The NASCAR Cup Series’ first race back after its hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic is Sunday, May 17 at Darlington Raceway. There will then be a race the next Wednesday night, also at Darlington, followed by two at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the iconic Coca-Cola 600.
Although NASCAR has not yet confirmed any races beyond those four — the last one is scheduled for May 27 — the details of those four races and how they impact the rest of the schedule are complicated. And the lineup looks a bit different than a traditional race weekend.
Here’s a look at the schedule for the first four races of NASCAR’s return in 2020:
Sunday, May 17: Darlington Raceway, 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Wednesday, May 20: Darlington Raceway, 7 p.m. ET (FS1)
Sunday, May 24: Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6 p.m. ET (FOX)
Wednesday, May 27: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Still have some questions? Here are the top-5 things you need to know before NASCAR starts racing again.
1. NASCAR’s return to the track opens with 4 races
The governing body recently announced it’s racing again, starting with two races at Darlington Raceway, followed by two races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The first one is Sunday, May 17, and the race the following Sunday is one of NASCAR’s “crown jewel” races, the Coca Cola 600.
2. Two of NASCAR’s first 4 races back are on Wednesdays
How did this happen? For years, drivers and fans have been begging for mid-week races, and they’re finally getting their wish. Because NASCAR has been adamant about running a full, 36-race season, mid-week races became a necessity as the schedule was redesigned.
3. Why Darlington and Charlotte?
Well, North Carolina and South Carolina among the states that have given NASCAR the green light to return to competition. And with the sport being based in the Charlotte area, these two tracks are within driving distance, allowing each race day to be a one-day show.
4. Fans will not be allowed
Obviously.
5. NASCAR is taking precautions to protect those who will attend
The safety measures put in place because of the COVID-19 outbreak include personal protective equipment, like masks, being mandatory, and people will have their temperatures taken when coming and going from the track. NASCAR is taking this seriously and will fine team members up to $50,000 for breaking these rules.
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