DARLINGTON, S.C. — Ready or not, NASCAR is back, but without fans, flyovers or commercialism. Darlington Raceway opened its 70-year-old gates so engines in the stock car series could roar again and the revenue flow would resume.
In today’s Return to Racing post-race show, FOX WGHP’S Kevin Connolly and Danny Harden break down the race and how the day back went.
NASCAR’s return started Sunday morning as teams began filing into Darlington at designated arrival times. A checkpoint at the gate allowed pre-approved personnel into the infield after a health screening. There is no exiting once inside NASCAR’s designated footprint, all part of a meticulously planned health protocol.
NASCAR chose Darlington, the oldest speedway on the Cup circuit, as the safest place to restart the season after eight events were postponed and the series sat idle for 10 weeks. Facing a financial collapse if live races didn’t get going on national television, NASCAR had its health plan approved in South Carolina and North Carolina and released an aggressive revised schedule.
Sunday marks the first of 20 races across seven Southern states between now and June 21. All eyes will be on NASCAR and its protocols — representatives from IndyCar and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, among others — were expected to observe the screening process Sunday.
The first event was called the “The Real Heroes 400” and was dedicated to health care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The names of health care workers across the country were substituted for the drivers’ name above the door on each of the 40 cars.
The health care workers gave the command to start the engines.
“These heroes … signal that NASCAR has returned, bringing back the intense competition and side-by-side racing we’ve all missed,” NASCAR President Steve Phelps wrote in a letter to fans released Sunday morning.
“Our drivers, race teams and officials have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get back to the race track and we want to assure you that we have taken the return to racing very seriously.”
Darlington is hosting three events over four days. Roughly 900 people have been approved to be inside the gates, and all are considered essential. Teams were allowed 16 employees per car, including the driver and owner. But most owners gave up their slot because they are either over the age of 65 and at high risk for the new coronavirus, or their role at the track is not considered critical to the competition or broadcast of the event.
Participants were not screened for COVID-19 but did undergo temperature checks as they entered Darlington and throughout the day. Drivers had to isolate until they were called to their cars, and everyone including crews had to wear a face mask, including drivers at least until they got in their cars.
A sign directs people to a screening station outside Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
Checkered flags line a street outside Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
A parking lot is empty at Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. No spectators are allowed, and race teams are only permitted 16 individuals per car, including the driver, owner, crew chief, crew members, spotter and hauler driver. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
A part of the Darlington Raceway grandstand is void of fans Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. No spectators are allowed, and race teams are only permitted 16 individuals per car, including the driver, owner, crew chief, crew members, spotter and hauler driver. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
A part of the Darlington Raceway grandstand is void of fans Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. No spectators are allowed, and race teams are only permitted 16 individuals per car, including the driver, owner, crew chief, crew members, spotter and hauler driver. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
A gate is locked outside Darlington Raceway Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return at the track with the Real Heroes 400 Nascar Cup Series auto race Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) 
Roads are clear of traffic outside Darlington Raceway before the Real Heroes 400 NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Darlington, S.C. NASCAR, which has been idle since March 8 because of the coronavirus pandemic, makes its return at the track Sunday. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
