NHRA New England Nationals Update
March 26, 2020
To Our Loyal New England Dragway Fans:
All of us at New England Dragway understand the COVID-19 outbreak is currently disrupting your lives. We are sensitive to the concerns and uncertainty felt by individuals and businesses as our nation combats what we all hope to be a short-term outbreak. We are closely monitoring the situation, as well as guidance available from state and local officials. We remain confident life will return to normal and we remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for racers and race fans alike.
We recognize NHRA’s decision to cancel the 2020 New England Nationals is a huge disappointment to our loyal fans. It's a significant disappointment for New England Dragway as well. We were initially approached by NHRA to consider the possibility of postponing the event. During a special meeting of the Board of Directors, representatives of the NHRA outlined their concerns and expressed that the issue was a time sensitive matter. With the event being five months away, the Board intended to gather more information, allow the situation to develop, and make an informed decision closer to the time of the event. The Board felt a decision to postpone was premature and notified NHRA that it wished to hold off on making a decision for 30 days. Obviously, that did not happen. We want to stress the decision to cancel the event was made entirely by NHRA and against the wishes of New England Dragway.
Even though this was not a New England Dragway decision, we apologize to those who have supported us over the years. We put significant effort into our events to provide an unmatched experience. Your passion and loyalty have helped us provide the best motor sports entertainment possible. You can be assured we will continue to work hard to ensure that tradition continues here at New England Dragway.
We also want to thank our brave first responders, exceptional medical professionals, and the resolve of each and every one of you as we overcome this challenge and work to restore normalcy to our lives.
Sincerely,
Joe Lombardo
General Manager,
New England Dragway, Inc.
Health Protection Plan - New England Dragway, Inc.
COVID-19 Safety Training
Employee safety training is a key component in mitigating the spread of Covid19. Employees will be briefed prior to reporting to their assigned position daily. Employees will receive an explanation explaining protective measures and steps outlined below. Safety training will also be reviewed with track partners on race day. Copies of the Health Protection Plan will be made available to all event staff and to track partners. A list of training attendees will be kept on file.
Employee and Event Staff Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
All Dragway personnel are required to wear PPE, including but not limited to masks and gloves during events. The only exception is for personnel who work in isolated, non-public areas. In addition, all track partners and event organizers are required to wear masks and gloves when in areas that interact with participants and the public.
Employee Health/Symptoms
All Dragway personnel including employees, event partners and race organizers are required to undergo a health screening check each day prior to the event beginning. Employees exhibiting symptoms of fever, coughing, or shortness of breath should call their supervisor and advise they will not be working their assigned shift. Those employees that do arrive at the track will be sent home if they exhibit any of those symptoms. If employees, event partners and race organizers have symptoms of acute respiratory illness, they must stay home until free of symptoms for a least 72 hours without the use of medicine. Employees, event partners or race organizers who have been exposed to someone COVID-19 positive, or themselves have tested positive, must remain home for two weeks (14 days) minimum, or until symptom free. After that time, they may return only when asymptomatic.
Participant Health/Symptoms
Participants, crew and family at the direction of the Dragway or the event organizer or sanctioning body may be required to undergo a health screening check prior to entering the facility. This screening may involve a temperature check and a symptom and exposure questionnaire. Screening results will remain confidential. Participants, crew or family members who exhibit signs of acute respiratory illness and/or have a fever will be sent home. Participant, crew and family who have been exposed to someone COVID-19 positive or themselves have been tested positive must remain home for two weeks (14 days) minimum, or until asymptomatic.
Pit Parking
A minimum of one parking space, or approximately 10 feet, is required between race cars, trucks, trailers and haulers. If this distance cannot be met, trailers and haulers must park so that main doors do not open towards each other.
Social Distancing
All participants are required to maintain a minimum separation of six feet at all times. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in a participant being asked to leave, with no refund of participant entry fees; or if violation is of a larger scale, the cancellation of the event with no refund of participant entry fees.
Participant Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
New England Dragway requires all participants to wear PPE, including masks while at New England Dragway. It is highly recommended that masks are worn at all times, even when social distancing. This includes any crew members or family that are in attendance. Drivers may remove their mask when racing.
Grandstand and Viewing Areas
Until further notice, all grandstands and viewing areas are limited to 50% capacity. Social distancing protocols will be in followed to ensure that appropriate social distance in the stands is observed.
Technical Inspection
A minimum of one car length must be observed for car and driver going through tech inspection. Drivers going through tech inspection must wear masks and will be asked to step a minimum of six feet away from the car while it is inspected. If crew members are needed at tech inspection, they must observe the same requirements as the driver.
Staging
It is necessary crew members in these areas wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.
Starting Line
A maximum of two crew members are allowed at the starting line for each car. Crew must wear masks at all times in this area and may stay at the starting line only for their car to complete its pass. All red box and barrier wall areas are off-limits to viewing.
Tower
The control tower is for authorized personnel only. It is closed to racer, crew or sponsors. In the event prize checks are to be awarded, racers will be provided an electronic W-2 to fill out prior to the event and prize checks will be mailed after the event.
Event Ingress and Egress
Depending on the event, access to the facility and time spent at the facility at the conclusion of the event will be limited. Participants are encouraged to leave as quickly as possible at the end of the event. In some cases, when multiple events may be scheduled, participants are asked to leave as quickly as possible after their last run. This will help facilitate a smooth transition for the next event.
Sanitation and Cleanliness
During all events, New England Dragway staff will ensure proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures are in place to permanent restrooms and common areas, before, during and after. Track partners and race organizers will be required to do the same with their areas. Each permanent restroom has sinks, soap and paper towels. Every effort will be made to ensure there is no interruption to this service.
Reporting
After the event, any employee, track partner, event organizer, participant or crew who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to contact the New England Dragway so contact tracing and notification can be done. Individuals who contact the track shall remain confidential.
Complaints
Any complaints or issues regarding anyone, activity, or lack of protocol at the event shall be brought to the attention of the Track Manager or designee as soon as possible. Track officials reserve the right to revoke facility privileges or cancel the event of protocols are not being followed.