Texas Motor Speedway to hold NASCAR races, possibly without fans

More than 1.3 million viewers tuned in March 31 for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 125, making it the most-viewed e-sports event in TV history, according to Fox Sports.

Viewers may soon have a chance to break that record when NASCAR returns to the Texas Motor Speedway for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500. To prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus, the race might be run without fans in the stands, according to NASCAR officials.

“Our intention remains to run all 36 races, with a potential return to racing without fans in attendance in May at a date and location to be determined,” NASCAR said in a statement April 17. “The health and safety of our competitors, employees, fans and the communities in which we run continues to be our top priority. We will continue to consult with health experts and local, state and federal officials as we assess future scheduling options.”

Gov. Greg Abbott announced April 20 that he was in talks with NASCAR officials and working on a return to the Texas Motor Speedway “very soon,” he said.

“I hope to announce the exciting details in the near future,” Abbott said.

NASCAR initially announced March 13 plans to postpone races in Atlanta and Miami.

The cancellation of NASCAR activities from March 27-29 at the Texas Motor Speedway was announced just three days later.

"Public safety comes first," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said in a speedway news release. "As soon as we have information on the reschedule date, we will share it with our fans. It is always the right time to do the right thing, and we are going to do the right thing by our fans."

Just spoke to @NASCAR leaders.

They’re working to return to Texas at Texas Motor Speedway very soon.

I hope to announce the exciting details in the near future.

To prevent spread of #COVID19 it will be without fans.

But they will put on a great show for TV.

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 20, 2020