CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR’s plan to return to competition on May 9 at Virginia’s Martinsville Speedway may not happen as planned.
On Monday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced a stay-at-home order that runs through June 10 in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The stay-at-home order will shutter all non-essential businesses until the ban expires or is lifted by Governor Northam.
Governor Northam previously banned gatherings of 10 people or more in the state.
On March 16 NASCAR officials announced that all NASCAR-sanctioned events had been postponed through May 3. The goal for NASCAR was to return to competition at Martinsville Speedway, with the NASCAR Cup Series slated to race at night for the first time at the half-mile track on May 9.
In a statement, NASCAR officials said they are aware of the stay-at-home order and are continuing discussions with public health officials and medical experts. The full statement is below.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 30, 2020