WEST HAVEN — Dirt track racing is coming back to the Devil’s Bowl Speedway on Monday night, June 15, but without fans in the grandstand.
Devil’s Bowl will host “The COVID Crusher” event today at 7 p.m. to kick off the Vermont stock car racing season.
The event will count for championship points for the Pepsi Sportsman Modified, O’Reilly Auto Parts Limited Sportsman, Super Stock, Mini Stock, and Friend Construction 500cc Mini Sprint divisions.
The headline Sportsman Modifieds will race 29 laps for $1,200 to win and $125 to start, while the four support classes will each run “COVID-19” laps.
Track officials said in a June 11 press release they are working toward the possibility of a pay-per-view video broadcast and will make an announcement soon. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
They also said they have worked diligently with government officials to receive approval to begin competition without general admission spectators and under multiple restrictions.
Monday’s event will be restricted to pit area admission only. Residents of Vermont and approved counties in New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island are welcome without quarantine restrictions, though non-Vermont residents must register with Sara Alert upon arrival to Vermont.
Residents of Connecticut and Canada are not currently permitted under the Vermont quarantine restrictions.
The track’s general admission gate, grandstand food concessions, and souvenir store will not be opened. Grandstand seating will be open only to allow pit area entrants to adhere to six-foot physical distancing guidelines. Groups must not exceed 25 people in any one area at the event, a guideline that will be monitored and enforced.
Face masks will be required for all Devil’s Bowl Speedway staff members and are highly recommended for all. Hand sanitizer will be made available throughout the facility.
Restrooms will be open, but will be limited to one person at a time. Food concessions will be open in the pit area with a limited menu, and waiting lines will be monitored for physical distancing.
Pit pass pricing will be $25 for 2020 Devil’s Bowl license holders and $35 for non-members.
Drivers will be required to purchase a full-season or single-day membership, which will be available at the event.
Pit passes are available to anyone age 10 or older; those younger than 17 must provide a copy of their birth certificate and complete a release form with a guardian. Registration opens at 3 p.m. on Monday.