Texas Motor Speedway announced on Friday that the speedway will be allowing fans to attend the July 19th NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, with social distancing guidelines and protocols in place. The speedway made the announcement via a press release.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved a comprehensive plan that has allowed fans to return to TMS. Abbott said this race is the first step toward normalcy in Texas as far as entertainment and sporting events.
“Texans are eager for sporting and entertainment events to return, and this is a great step towards that goal,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “As we continue to open Texas, it is essential that we do so in a way that keeps Texans safe and limits the spread of COVID-19. Texas Motor Speedway has put a tremendous amount of work, time, and energy into ensuring that this race meets all the necessary safety and health standards, and I applaud them for this effort.
“As with any public event or gathering, I urge all Texans to make smart decisions to protect their health, including wearing a face mask, washing their hands, and practicing social distancing. Texans are excited for NASCAR and are ready to return to the grandstands, and I thank Texas Motor Speedway for making sure that we do this in a safe and smart way.”
TMS says that masks are not required, but they are encouraged. All NASCAR employees, vendors and competitors will be wearing masks.
Tickets will be given first priority on a first-come first-serve basis to fans who had already purchased tickets for this race at Texas Motor Speedway before COVID-19.
The full verbiage from the track on who is able to purchase tickets reads:
Previous eligible ticket holders and campers are given the first opportunity to secure reassigned seats and camping per social distancing protocols.
Group tickets will be handled on a case-by-case basis. While Texas Motor Speedway staff will do our best to accommodate groups who want to sit together, we will abide by social distancing protocols.
Fans who had not previously purchased O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 tickets or camping, can now do so to hold their spot in line. Purchases are refundable if your seat(s) or camping cannot be assigned.
Click here to read the full Texas Motor Speedway guide to the upcoming event.