© 2024 SDPB Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Racetracks Relent, Won't Allow Fans This Weekend

Racing at Park Jefferson International Speedway.

Two South Dakota racetracks have backed away from plans to host hundreds of fans this weekend.

Park Jefferson International Speedway and The New Raceway Park say they will still hold races. However, spectators will not be able to watch the events in person at the racetracks near North Sioux City. Video feeds of the races will be available instead.

The New Raceway Park said on Facebook that its decision was "due to the pressure we have been receiving from the South Dakota Governor's Office, county commissioners' office, the health department and the CDC." Park Jefferson said on its website that its decision came "after discussions with the South Dakota Department of Health, other state officials and county commissioners."

The tracks had planned to host 700 and 500 fans, respectively, for the Saturday and Sunday events. But both tracks came under pressure from the public and elected officials because of fears about fans spreading the coronavirus.

The tracks neighbor each other in the southeast corner of the state.