Illinois: Phase 3 regarding racetracks

Racetracks are not permitted to race; Limits include three cars on track at once

Tri-City Speedway is a racetrack on the Illinois side of St. Louis. The Pontoon Beach, Illinois dirt track has not raced since May 24th.

On the other side of the Mississippi River, I-55 Raceway sits about 45 minutes away from Tri-City Speedway. Yet, the Pevely, Missouri dirt track has been hosting World of Outlaws events, with fans.

That’s stark contrast to the dirt track on the Illinois side of the river. Today, the state of Illinois is moving to Phase 3 in the Reopening of America plan. So, we’re going racing?

All week, Tri-City Speedway was promoting an event, in anticipation that they would be able to open the gates in Phase 3 on Friday.

32 late models and 60 modifeds were on deck for the May 29th event. $2,000 to win was a special payout for the modifieds, boosted by various event sponsors.

General admission tickets were sold in advance. On Tuesday, the track was informed that grandstand general admission was not allowed.

The track elected to continue the event without fans. Refunds were handed out and the event was now a broadcast-only event.

On Thursday, the day ahead of the event, the track was informed that wasn’t allowed in the state of Illinois either…

State of Illinois on Racetracks in Phase 3

Michelle Masoncup, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity clarified racetrack operations for the state of Illinois:

“For clarification for all Illinois racetracks ONLY test & tune events can occur during Phase 3: My understanding is that there was an industry call yesterday and a state employee referred to an activity that was already permitted, he said ‘racing’ but he meant ‘testing cars’. We understand this is a nuisance in terms of your industry and I wanted to clarify. This email is to provide you guidance on compliance with the State’s executive order.

Phase 3 and Racing:

“Racing is not permitted in Phase 3. The executive order limits gatherings to 10 people or less. Races involve large groups of people gathered together, which is not permitted under the order.”

“We are about to enter Phase 3 tomorrow. Moving through the phases depending on the public health data, so we don’t know approximate dates for when the next phase will begin. We cannot provide a specific time frame for when these gatherings can occur.”

“The outdoor recreation guidelines are not applicable to this type of large event which involved hundreds of people assembled. The guidelines, as detailed are for paintball courses or outdoor ranges with no spectators, crews or the sheet volume of people that is involved in racing for your industry.”

Phase 3 – What is permitted: Test and Tune Event Only

-Test and Tune Events, no racing.

-Crew members only, no more than 3 crew members per car.

-30 cars total

-Cars can test with up to 3 cars at a time.

-6 foot social distancing between participants. Following the test, the driver and crew need to return to a…