KNOXVILLE, Iowa – Due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, Knoxville Raceway has postponed its season opener until May 16.

In a statement posted to the Knoxville Raceway website, track officials indicated they are regularly communicating with state officials regarding the re-opening of the state.

As part of that communication, track officials have submitted a plan to state officials outlining health and social distancing measures the track plans to utilize once the facility opens for business.

“Knoxville Raceway continues to take the threat of coronavirus and its spread throughout the country, the state of Iowa and our Knoxville community seriously,” track officials said in a statement. “We are in constant conversations with the state health department and the governor’s staff regarding the virus and the outlook for a rolling re-opening of the state. The health of our fans, employees, partners, drivers, teams and community members will continue to be of utmost importance to us.

“We understand, that while a plan for reopening the country and our state is getting closer to fruition, the plan will not act as a light switch that will allow our race track to immediately open. Knoxville Raceway has submitted a plan to the state government that outlines strict health and social distancing measures that will be put into place when the track re-opens. Local government officials will also need to approve this plan before re-opening can occur.”

The goal is to have the plan approved by state officials in time for racing to begin on May 16, though the situation remains fluid and could change.

“With the approval of our state and local government as well as the cooperation by all employees, competitors, teams and fans with the restrictions that will be put in place, we are tentatively hoping and planning to hold the 2020 season opener on Saturday, May 16,” track officials said. “The situation is fluid and we will continue to keep everyone updated if any changes occur.”

Two races that were scheduled for May 2 and May 9 at Knoxville Raceway have been rescheduled for Aug. 28 and Sept. 11.