Despite Virus Hundreds Expected At South Dakota Auto Races

A pair of South Dakota speedways are forging ahead with plans to hold two auto races expected to draw hundreds of fans this weekend, even as the state's governor warns against attending them.

Gov. Kristi Noem said she won't be taking any action to shut down the events planned for Saturday and Sunday nights even though she thinks they are a bad idea and could lead to the spread of the coronavirus. The two race tracks, just over the border from Iowa, decided to sell limited tickets to give race fans a taste of "normalcy" after weeks of social distancing and canceled sporting events.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 14: U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) speaks during a news briefing after a House Republican Conference meeting January 14, 2014 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Congressional negotiators have reached to an agreement of a $1.1 trillion spending bill to avoid another government shutdown when the current funding ends tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

South Dakota's Republican governor said the crowds at the races would violate her guidance not to gather in groups of more than 10, but she has not said why she won't stop the races from proceeding. Health experts have said eliminating group gatherings are crucial to curbing the spread of the coronavirus, which can be transmitted by people who do not exhibit symptoms.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

As Noem touts her constraint in allowing businesses to operate during a global pandemic, the races push the limits of her hands-off approach.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) speaks at the Conservative Political Action conference (CPAC), on February 10, 2011 in Washington, DC. The CPAC annual gathering is a project of the American Conservative Union. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Promoters of the races said they are taking steps to reduce the chances that the event will become a hotbed of virus transmission, including keeping the crowds well below capacity, screening people's temperatures, and making concessions cashless. The Saturday race at Park Jefferson International Speedway has sold out of the 700 tickets it offered to a track that usually holds 4,000. The Sunday event at New Raceway Park in Jefferson is offering 500 tickets, less than one-third of its capacity of 1,800. Organizers said they would offer refunds to anyone with second thoughts about going.

Dennis Moore, who is organizing the Sunday race, said his message is clear: If you are concerned about coronavirus infections, don't come. But he feels the economy needs to reopen.

"This country's going to be on its butt if we don't open this up," he said.

The South Dakota races stand in contrast with NASCAR, where discussions are underway to resume racing — but without fans in the stands.

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - MARCH 13: A general view of the track and pit road at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 13, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. NASCAR is suspending races due to the ongoing threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The coronavirus outbreak has infected millions worldwide and killed about 180,000, including more than 45,000 in the U.S., according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University from official government figures. South Dakota has reported 1,858 confirmed cases and nine deaths, though the number of infections is likely higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

Both tracks are in Jefferson in Union County, which has confirmed seven cases. Jefferson is a city of about 550 people that's about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Sioux City, Iowa.

Jerry Miller, the state's attorney for Union County, said holding the races was "risky and irresponsible." He said the county has tried to stop them from going forward, but authorization would have to come from the state.

Moore said people from as far away as Texas are planning to fly in to attend Sunday's race. Race crews have also lined up to join, with many on a waiting list, he said.

© 2020 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.