New York Eases Restrictions, 20% Capacity Allowed

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Photo of Novelis Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway courtesy of Oswego Speedway. Packed granstands overlook the front strecth, and pit crew workers are lined up
Photo of Novelis Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway courtesy of Oswego Speedway

Race tracks and facilities in the state of New York can now operate at 20% capacity after a recent announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo easing certain restrictions related to COVID-19. 

The move comes ahead of season-opening races at several tracks in New York, including Oswego Speedway, the 5/8-mile asphalt oval home to the Novelis Supermodifieds. 

“We are very excited to have finally gotten the green light to open and are looking forward to welcoming back our teams and amazing fans,” Oswego’s Camden Proud said. “This means we will be fully operational every week with fans in attendance. The announcement was vital to being able to hold racing of any kind this season.”

Still, Proud hopes to eventually open at 100% capacity. “It is so hard to predict what is going to happen with the restrictions. Things are still very fluid and changing every week. We will continue to hope for the best,” he stated. “Being able to get to 100% would be huge for the industry after so many tracks were heavily impacted last year.” 

Oswego’s 70th annual season kickoff, set for May 8, will mark the first time racing will take place at “The Steel Palace” since its Classic Weekend event in September 2019. Previously, Oswego had been a continuously run weekly race track since it was established in 1951 but was unable to open in 2020.

Along with typical COVID-19 protocols requiring face masks, social distancing, and increased sanitation, new track procedures include a new online ticketing system. 

“[This will] allow fans to order tickers and get them right on their phone, avoiding lines at the track and aiding in social distancing,” Proud said. 

Other race tracks in the state include Albany-Saratoga Speedway, which hosted its season opener on April 16, headlined by the $5,600-to-win modified race along with sportsman and pro stock features. Fulton Speedway, the 3/8-mile, high-banked clay oval opens its season on May 1 with modifieds, sportsman, late models, and novice classes. Its partner track, the 1/3-mile  Brewerton Speedway, is set to host its season opener on May 7, with modifieds, sportsman, ModLites, and 4-cylinders. 

For more information, visit oswegospeedway.com.

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