ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — Shut it down. That’s basically the directive being given to an Alamance County racetrack. State health officialsordered Ace Speedwayto close after Governor Roy Cooper declared it an “imminent hazard” to spread the COVID-19 virus.
In the order, Cooper and Secretary of the state Department of Health Dr. Mandy Cohen said the racetrack could only open if it presents an action plan that would follow state guidelines for social distancing. The plan would have to be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services before Ace Speedway could reopen.
The speedway has repeatedly defied the ordinance put in place by the governor, allowing thousands of spectators in the stands on race night during the past few weeks.