Let’s face it, 2020 was about as fun as getting a root canal while riding a roller coaster.

It was wildly painful and unpredictable. We all lost some of our freedom while others lost much, much more during a year that was hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic. All of us were affected in one way or another and many small businesses had to close for good. Realistically, the general motto both in regard to life and business was simply “just survive.”

Race teams, series and tracks scrambled to make the most out of the hectic year. Races were canceled and most fans were unable to attend events in person, save for a couple of pockets around the country.

A new year has arrived, a vaccine has become available and the hope is that life will return to normal — not the new normal, just simply normal — this year. Most race teams, series and tracks are moving ahead with a full schedule in anticipation of a consistent season.

One of the biggest events during the opening months each year is the famed DIRTcar Nationals, which runs Feb. 2-13 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the marquee event that features the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series and the Super DIRTcar Series, along with DIRTcar late models and UMP modifieds.

“We’re hammer down (for) a fully attended DIRTcar Nationals,” World Racing Group Chief Executive Officer Brian Carter told SPEED SPORT in mid-December. “The good thing is we increased the capacity of Volusia to a good extent last year with the grandstands, so we can spread people out. On the weekend with the Outlaws (sprint cars) we‘ll have a full house, but will do that very carefully.

“There are no limitations imposed by the state of Florida at this time. We’re operating to have the full facility, including the drive-ins of your own car in the infield to allow spectators to watch from the infield like we have in the past. We’ll have every grandstand seat available. Ticket sales are up already for 2021 versus 2020.”

Carter noted that while masks currently aren’t mandated on the property for spectators — World Racing Group employees are told to wear them — and people won’t be required to be six feet apart, the facility will be set up to the requirements that the state of Florida has mandated.

“Every state has taken a different approach,” he said. “Florida’s has been well documented. I think it benefits us for kicking off our season in Florida.

“We’re going to be compliant to the T on what the governor’s guidelines will be. The governor has not required us to mandate social distancing. We aren’t going to impose anything in addition to the governor’s mandates. That’s pretty much been the standard wherever we’ve gone. We’ve followed the guidelines in each jurisdiction and then give our fans the choice to come and enjoy the event or stay home and watch on DIRTVision.

“I think it’s prudent for everybody on the property to wear masks. I’ll wear a mask. That’s my choice,” Carter added. “There are reasons some people can’t. (My opinion is) just be respectful of your space and others around you. Everybody is dealing with a different situation. Candidly, our fans have been great. They are there to escape from whatever they want to escape from. When you have people who want to do that they really don’t look for a reason to be a disruption.”

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