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Racing News: Iowa Race Tracks Allowed to Reopen Next Month

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Knoxville
Knoxville Raceway announced plans to host its season opener on June 6.

Iowa Race Tracks Allowed to Reopen Next Month

Iowa race tracks can return to racing beginning June 1. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that motorsports facilities in the state will be allowed to resume operations with capacity limited to 50%. One major race track in the state, Knoxville Raceway, announced plans to host its season opener on June 6, with hot laps beginning at 6:45 p.m. local time, and open practice sessions set for June 4–5. Knoxville officials have installed additional hand sanitizer and washing stations, and masks are highly recommended for all visitors. Additional precautions, including plexi glass dividers and more frequent cleaning schedules, were also announced. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com.

Holley LS Fest West Cancelled

Holley's LS Fest West event, most recently scheduled for June 12–14, in Las Vegas has been canceled. The state of Nevada is taking a phased approach to reopening, and at this time, there is still no indication as to when large crowds will be permitted to gather. Pre-registered participants and spectators that pre-purchased tickets will be fully refunded as soon as possible. Holley will randomly select 10 LS Fest West pre-registrants to receive a free entry into this fall's LS Fest East event, along with some travel money to help get them there.

Texas Governor Abbott Expands Capabilities for Motorsports Venues

This afternoon Texas Governor Greg Abbott by virtue of executive order expanded the enumerated list of covered services in Executive Order GA-23. The order allows outdoor motorsports events to operate at up to 25% of the normal operating limits as determined by the venue owner and under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing.

Rick Humphrey
Rick Humphrey

Road Atlanta Welcomes New Track President Rick Humphrey

Rick Humphrey has been named president and general manager of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Since 2014, Humphrey has served as vice president of IMSA Properties, and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta has served as his base of operation. In that role, he oversaw management of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway and Seven Sebring Hotel. In his new position, Humphrey will concentrate his efforts on the day-to-day operation and promotion of Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta and will report to David Pettit, IMSA senior vice president of marketing and business operations. Longtime motorsports executive and former Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta president and general manager Geoff Lee announced his retirement from the company. The first major public event that Humphrey will oversee as track president is Drift Atlanta, July 3–4. The 23rd Annual Motul Petit Le Mans, October 14–17, rounds out the remainder of the 2020 spectator calendar.

For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website