The conclusion of the annual Summer Shootout, which was postponed a week ago when three crew members tested positive for COVID-19, has been postponed once more due to coronavirus concerns.
The Summer Shootout, which is organized by U.S. Legend Cars and INEX International, is an annual event that runs through June and July at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 2021 installment of the Summer Shootout was set to conclude last week but was pushed back one week when three crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
On Monday, just hours ahead of the first night of the rescheduled two-night conclusion of the Summer Shootout, INEX announced another postponement, again due to concerns about COVID-19.
“Tonight and Tuesday night’s Summer Shootout Series races have been postponed until Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 9-10 for the health and safety of all race team competitors, crew members and staff,” INEX said in a statement issued Monday morning. “INEX officials have been notified by select crew members that they have tested positive for COVID-19. INEX, U.S. Legend Cars International and Charlotte Motor Speedway will not be releasing further details to protect the privacy of those involved. Information regarding next week’s competition schedule will be released via social media later this week.”
The postponement of the finale comes amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations which are mostly attributed to the Delta variant of the virus. Public health officials have called the surge a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” as vaccination rates largely stalled over the summer.
The concerns over COVID-19 come as tracks in the region have already been forced to cancel races over the ongoing “Tirepocalypse,” which has resulted in the cancelation of several races in North Carolina this summer – including a Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour race which was set to be held on August 14 at Wake County Speedway in Raleigh.
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