GOVERNOR ABBOTT EXPANDS CAPABILITIES FOR MOTORSPORTS VENUES
- Enumerated list of Covered Services in executive order allows 25% fan capacity -
ENNIS, TX (May 22, 2020) --- This afternoon Governor Greg Abbott by virtue of executive order expanded the enumerated list of Covered Services in Executive Order GA-23. The order allows outdoor motorsports events to operate at up to 25 percent of the normal operating limits as determined by the venue owner and operate under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing. Pursuant to that order the Texas Motorplex will allow fans to attend the Keurig Dr Pepper Lone Star Nationals presented by Driven Automotive Protection starting tomorrow. Fans will be charged $15 per car and can order tickets online now.
The event, previously a participant only race, will still be broadcast on PPV. Fans will be able to enjoy the racing action for the low price of $15 by purchasing the event Pay Per View livestream on TheFoat.com Ticketing with BangShift. The entire event from the first burnout to the last win light will be broadcast with wildly entertaining Al Tucci calling the action.
“We have been in regular communication with Governor Abbott’s office and we want to thank Governor Abbott for his leadership in allowing us to be the first motorsports venue with the chance to host fans. We will be following all the recommendations from the Governor’s office,” said Andy Carter, Texas Motorplex General Manager. “We want to assure everyone that we are taking all necessary safety precautions to keep our employees, competitors and fans safe during this event. We know racers have been staying at home for over two months and we just want to give them one of the first opportunities to get back on the track.”
On Saturday competitors in Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster will battle it out for a winner’s purse of $3,500 in prize money. Additionally Mid-West Pro Mod drivers will be tearing up the track throughout the weekend. In addition to the record cash purse drivers will earn valuable Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series points.
For social distancing policies click here.
Saturday, May 23
11 a.m. Qualifying Round 3
(Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car)
2 p.m. Qualifying Round 4
(Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car)
4 p.m. Opening Ceremony & Track Prep
Eliminations begin Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Pro Mod, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car)
11 p.m. Track Secure
REVISED MAY 22, 2020MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS 1.CHECKLIST FOR OUTDOOR MOTORSPORTS EVENTS
Page 1 of 4Outdoor motorsports may operate up to 25% of their normal operating limits as determined by the venue owner,provided such events are operated under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing.The following are the minimum recommended health protocols for all individuals engaging in, and sponsors putting on, outdoor motorsport events in Texas. Individuals and sponsors may adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all employees, contractors, volunteers, and participants.The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of Texas. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable.Please note, public health guidance cannot anticipate every unique situation. Outdoormotorsporteventoperators should stay informed and take actions based on common sense and wise judgment that will protect health and support economic revitalization. Outdoormotorsport event operators should also be mindful of federal and state employment and disability laws, workplace safety standards, andaccessibility standards to address the needs of both workers and customers.Health protocols for your spectators:Outdoormotorsports are encouraged to utilize remote ticketing options to help manage capacity limitations.Ensure proper spacing between patrons in the venue:Keep at least two empty seats (or 6feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:-Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.-Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.Alternate rows between customers (every other row left empty).Disinfect seats and frequently touched areas between events.Health protocols for your employees, racers, and contractors:Individuals not currently competing should remain at least 6 feet away from other individuals. Remaining in vehicles before and after a race, or in separate areas during other events, is strongly recommended.Train all employees, contractors, volunteers, and participants on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
REVISED MAY 22, 2020MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS 1.OUTDOOR MOTORSPORTS EVENTS: Page 2 of 4Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available to employees, racers, and contractors.Screen employees, contractors, volunteers, and participants before the sporting event: Send home any employee, contractor, volunteer, or participant who has any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:-Cough-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing-Chills-Repeated shaking with chills-Muscle pain-Headache-Sore throat-Loss of taste or smell-Diarrhea-Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit-Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19Do not allow employees, contractors, volunteers, or participants with new or worsening signs or symptoms listed above to return to work until:-In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to work when all three of the following criteria are met: at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery(resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducingmedications); and the individual has improvementin symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared; or-In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and does not get evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, the individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to work until the individual has completed the same three-step criteria listed above; or-If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to work before completing the above self-isolation period, the individual must obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis.Do not allow an individual with known close contact to a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to return to the event until the end of the 14-day self-quarantine period from the last date of exposure (with an exception granted for healthcare workers and critical infrastructure workers).Consider having an individual wholly or partially dedicated to ensuring the health protocols adopted by the employer are being successfully implemented and followed.Consider placing readily visible signagethroughout the venue to remind everyone of best hygiene practices. Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms using EPA-approved disinfecting products proven to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.Disinfect any items that come into contact with employees, racers,or contractorsbefore and after use.If an employer provides a meal for employees,racers,or contractors, employers are recommended to have the meal individually packed for each individual, and delivered in a way that avoids or minimizes contact.
REVISED MAY 22, 2020MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS 1.OUTDOOR MOTORSPORTS EVENTS: Page 3of 4Individuals aged 65 or older,and those with serious underlying medical conditionsare at a higher risk of COVID-19. To the extent possible, avoid being within 6 feet of these individuals. Individuals at elevated risk for severe illness due to COVID-19should stay at home as much aspossible.Health protocols for racing:Maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other individuals not within the same household. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced. Face shields may be considered as additional source control either in addition to face coverings, or where face coverings are not feasible. Considerations must be made regarding safety of face coverings during physical exertion or in hot environments.Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, or, if not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, upon entering the racing venue and after any interaction with other racers or personnel. Each racer should perform hand hygiene when entering or leaving the race track.Disinfect any items that come into contact with individuals, including sporting event equipment.Individuals actively engaged in racing are not required to wear a face mask while racing but should use a face mask when notracing.Six feet of distancing should be maintained in all congregate settings including the locker room, break rooms, workout or practice facilities, and showering facilities. Where distancing is not feasible, consider implementing engineered controls such as physical barriers.Avoid sharing drink bottles, personal items (e.g., towels), and any other items that may become contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19. Any items that must be shared should be cleaned and disinfected between uses.Train all employees and racers on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, social distancing, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, handling of face coverings, and respiratory etiquette. CDC guidance regarding cleaning and disinfection can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.htm.Review employee/player benefit policies to ensure that there are no policies that incentivize employees to work when sick,or that penalize those who stay home appropriately when sick.Health protocols for your facilities:If 6 feet of separation is not available between individuals at the event, consider the use of engineering controls, such as dividers between individuals, to minimize the chances of transmission of COVID-19.Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.Disinfect any items that come into contact with individuals, including sporting event equipment.Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available to employees,contractors, and customers.
REVISED MAY 22, 2020MINIMUM STANDARD HEALTH PROTOCOLS 1.OUTDOOR MOTORSPORTS EVENTS: Page 4 of 4Consider placing readily visible signageat the venue to remind everyone of best hygiene practices. Consider having an individual wholly or partially dedicated to ensuring the health protocols adopted by the employer are being successfully implemented and followed.If you serve food and/or beverages:For waiter-provided food service:Do not leave condiments, silverware, flatware, glassware, or other traditional table top items on an unoccupied table.Provide condiments only upon request, and in single use (non-reusable) portions.Clean and disinfect the area used for dining (table, etc.) after each group of customers depart the area.Use disposable menus (new for each patron). If you allow customers to write down their food orders, provide take-home pencils and notepads that cannot be used by other customers.Have wait staff sanitize or wash hands between interactions with customers.For counter food service:Provide condiments or flatware only in single use, individually-wrapped items, and provide condiments only upon request.Have employees and contractors follow proper food-handling protocols.Disinfect any items that come into contact with customers.Clean and disinfect the area used for dining (table, etc.) after each group of customers depart, including the disinfecting of tables, chairs, stalls, and countertops.Block off or remove self-service drink fountains.Close off or block all interactive amusement machines, such as video games.
