Due to an order from local health officials in Crisp County, Georgia, CRA Speedfest will not take place at Watermelon Capital Speedway on January 22 and 23.
The track informed CRA on Monday that the directive came down that the facility would not be permitted to host the season opening non points event in January due to a local spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
CRA officials are looking at potential relocation options, but due to the late nature of the cancellation, a final decision will need to be made in the next 48 hours.
The following statement was issued by Watermelon Capital Speedway operator Wayne Lyle.
“Based on the high numbers and continued increase of local COVID cases, along with the warnings and documentation we have received from health officials, we have deemed it necessary to not host the event this year,” Lyle said. “The uncertainty of the situation in the coming weeks also made it impossible to realistically look at rescheduling at CMP any time during this traditional off season.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. SpeedFest at CMP has grown over the years and is a prestigious event. SpeedFest is so special to us and our community. This event is always great and it also gives our local economy such a boost. All that being said, the safety of everyone is still our number one priority.”
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LATEST GEORGIA COVID-19 DATA AS OF 1/4/21
- As of 3 p.m., there have been 9,900 deaths in Georgia, an increase of 7 since the previous day. Over the last 14 days (12/22-1/4), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 31.93 deaths each day. Over the previous 14-day period (12/8-12/21), the average daily increase in newly reported deaths was 31.86.
- There have been 591,106 cases confirmed in Georgia, an increase of 4,030 since the previous day. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 5,600.5 new cases a day. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in newly confirmed cases was 4,573.
- There have been 42,595 total patients hospitalized in Georgia during the pandemic, an increase of 112 since the previous day according to the Department of Public Health’s cumulative total. Over the last 14 days, the average daily increase in new patients was 220.93 new patients a day. Over the previous 14-day period, the average daily increase in new patients was 230.86.
- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency began reporting current statewide hospitalizations on May 1. That day they reported 1,500 current hospitalizations.
- According to Georgia’s new database, as of Jan. 4, there were 5,124 current hospitalizations – an increase of 203 hospitalizations from the previous day.
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