CARS Tour President Addresses Pandemic, Still Plans to Have Full Season

CARS Tour President Jack McNelly released a statement earlier Friday addressing the coronavirus pandemic, saying the series is still operating and plans to resume its full season once the crisis passes.

McNelly’s statement, released by video on the CARS Tour Facebook page, addresses the crisis that has brought the 2020 racing season to a grinding halt and has caused unprecedented crises on multiple fronts that will define a generation and stand in history alongside events such as September 11^th, the Indian Ocean tsunami, Pearl Harbor, Hurricane Katrina and World War II.

“Our country is under a pandemic,” McNelly said.  “This is an experience that no one in our generation has ever experienced.  Since we last raced at Southern National Motorsports Park on March 7^th, our world has turned completely upside-down.  There are people unemployed.  There are restaurants closed.  There are many, many changes that have happened.  But, I want you to know that the CARS Tour is still working toward having a full season.”

McNelly then continued, noting that he was the only person working at the CARS Tour office on Friday, to address concerns racers and fans may have about the viability of the CARS Tour during the height of a medical and economic crisis that could rival the Great Depression.

“We are working every day to put the pieces back together so our competitors, our fans, our vendors, and our sponsors can enjoy CARS Tour racing in its entirety in the 2020 season,” McNelly continued.  “Until then, we want you to remain safe.  Enjoy your family.  Do things with your family that you don’t normally have an opportunity to do.  When the pandemic is over, we will go back racing.  Be safe and Happy Easter to one and all.”

The CARS Tour has already been forced to indefinitely postpone two events, including its marquee Old North State Nationals.  The next event scheduled event for the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour is tentatively set for Friday, May 1^st at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, North Carolina – but, while stay-at-home orders are currently set to expire by then, executive orders regarding large public gatherings are not dated for expiration.