(Elko New Market, MN) — The owner of a NASCAR-sanctioned track just south of the Twin Cities is frustrated that he’s had to cancel this weekend’s season-opening events. Tom Ryan owns Elko Speedway and had been planning a Fourth of July opener, but says current COVID-19 health guidelines from the state still aren’t allowing for large enough outdoor gatherings for him to operate efficiently. So, he has pushed the season opener off for at least another month, with hopes that an August 1st opener can be put on the docket. Ryan was planning an event tomorrow which would feature the first night of racing this season, as well as a program called “Racing Against Racism.” He had special guest appearances lined up to discuss current events, as well as a fireworks show. Ryan says he felt they could fans safe by implementing proper protocols, including social distancing in their 6000-seat grandstand. He says he would like to open and keep capacity at around 50-percent to allow for plenty of distance between pods of families and friends. Elko Speedway is located about 30 miles south of the Twin Cities off of Interstate 35 in Elko New Market. The track has been around since 1965 and is a three-eighths-mile asphalt oval. The facility also has a drive-in movie theatre, which is currently open on the weekends.
Elko Speedway owner Tom Ryan spoke with MNN Sports Director Mike Grimm:
