SLINGER, Wis. — Slinger Super Speedway, like most short tracks around the country, has postponed the start of its season.

However, track officials remain hopeful the start is coming soon.

The track has announced its season opener, which included the season-opening race for the Big 8 Late Model Series, has been rescheduled for July 5 to headline the Prelude to the Nationals event according to a news release posted on the track’s website. The season opener was set for April 26.

In addition, the May 3 Small Car Enduro has been postponed with no make-up date set.

Todd Thelen, the promoter of Slinger Super Speedway, is trying to be positive.

“We are like many other Wisconsin businesses and families,” Thelen said in a news release. “Our opening is on hold and at the mercy of the Governor and his orders.”

If and when the campaign starts, it will mark the 73rd season of racing at the track.

The initial plan called for the opener to be April 26, followed by the Small Car Enduro. The track would then be closed for Mother’s Day. Racing would return May 17 and the first Sunday night racing program of the year would take place on May 24.

Local driver and former Slinger track champion James Swan said there have been rumors of possibly racing with no fans in attendance. He said, from his perspective, it would not make sense and would be unfair to sponsors, who pay to have their images on race cars for fans at the track to see.

“It’s not a viable option,” he said.

He added a lack of admission revenue would hurt prize money for drivers. He wants to race where people can watch the racing.

Otherwise, what’s the point?

“I’ve said it before, we want to race just as much, if not more than the fans and teams,” Thelen said. “We’re currently working through a lobbyist group and there is talk that GOP leaders of the state legislature are looking to take legal action and get the shut-down shortened.”