GRAHAM, N.C. — A judge in Alamance County (N.C.) has granted a temporary restraining order against Ace Speedway, which will stop the track from hosting races with more than 25 fans in attendance.

The order forces the track to abide by the North Carolina re-opening plan, which limits gatherings indoors to fewer than 10 people and gatherings outdoors to fewer than 25 people as the state continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Tom Lambeth heard arguments from attorneys representing Ace Speedway’s promoters Robert and Jason Turner and the state before making his decision.

“Based on all of the materials I’ve reviewed and the arguments of counsel the appropriate ruling is, I am going to grant a temporary restraining order,” Judge Lambeth said. “I’m going to restrain and adjoin Ace Speedway and any of the entities associated with it from holding any races until we can have another hearing in this matter.”

Both parties are expected back in court for the at 9:30 a.m. on June 19.

The entire court hearing can be viewed here.

Ace Speedway was ordered closed and deemed an “imminent hazard” on Tuesday by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper after the track ignored the state’s mandate limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people or less. The track hosted races on three different weekends that saw fans fill the grandstands.

The order issued by Gov. Cooper required the track to notify the public by 5 p.m. that its upcoming racing schedule has been canceled through June 22, however, track officials ignored that order prior to Thursday’s court hearing.

In a statement posted on the Ace Speedway Facebook page, the Turners confirmed events on June 13 and June 19 have been canceled, while also thanking those who supported the track.

“Due to the TRO placed on Ace Speedway, Thursday open practice has been canceled. Also, our June 13 and June 19 events have been canceled,” the statement said. “We want to thank everyone for their unwavering support. We will resume our season as soon as possible.”

Ace Speedway remains available for track rentals by appointment only, with 25 people or less being allowed on the property at any given time.

“Thank you to our local officials who have stood by their beliefs. Thank you to our fans, our employees, our sponsors and our race teams who have expressed their support through the good and the bad. Continue to stick with us, this does not mean 2020 is over, just on hold. Continue to follow the Ace Speedway Facebook page for updates on future event planning. You won’t want to miss our season re-opener,” the statement concluded.