The race is likely to attract more attention than normal in part because of the influx of fansGETTY IMAGES
Tonight's NASCAR All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will have up to 30,000 fans in attendance, making it the "biggest sports crowd in the country since the coronavirus pandemic called a screeching halt to practically all organized athletic events in March," according to Mike Hembree of USA TODAY. The race is "likely to attract more attention than normal not only because it has been moved from its traditional site at Charlotte Motor Speedway and from its normal weekend scheduling but also because of how the speedway and the Bristol area will handle the influx of fans." BMS GM Jerry Caldwell said, "This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate to the country how we can go back to doing some of the things we love to do in a safe and responsible way.” Hembree reported BMS is "planning a long list of safety protocols, including spacing the crowd in small social-distancing groups throughout the stadium." The track's approach to the return of significantly large fan numbers "could provide a template for other sports ... hoping to welcome fans in coming months" (USA TODAY, 7/12). BMS officials are "implementing a plan to enhance cleaning procedures, physically distance spectators in the stands and require fans to wear masks at most areas of the track, except for their seats" (BRISTOL HERALD COURIER, 7/14).
SERVING AS A LITMUS TEST: In Bristol, Allen Gregory notes tonight in several ways "will be one of the most important events in track history." Observers will be watching to see if BMS can "establish a standard for sports leagues and entertainment entities across the country." If attendees "wear their masks and no health issues arise in the days after the race," it is possible that Americans will feel "more at ease about venturing outside their neighborhoods and perhaps into stadiums" (BRISTOL HERALD COURIER, 7/15).
BUBBA DESERVING OF SPOT: The AP's Jenna Fryer wrote Bubba Wallace "deserves a spot in NASCAR's All-Star race" despite having yet to qualify under current conditions. He can either drive himself into the race tonight through qualifiers or he can secure the spot that "goes to the winner of a fan vote." It would be a just reward following the "strain Wallace and his team have been under the last two months." He has been under a "blinding spotlight" after he has been pushed to the "forefront of NASCAR's racial reckoning" (AP, 7/13). Wallace and Richard Petty Motorsports yesterday secured a deal with Square-owned digital payment brand Cash App to serve as the primary sponsor of Wallace's No. 43 car for five Cup Series races this season (THE DAILY).
