Eldora Speedway off NASCAR schedule due to coronavirus

The eighth annual Eldora Dirt Derby, the only NASCAR national series event held on dirt, has been canceled for July 2020 due to the coronavirus. STAFF FILE

The eighth annual Eldora Dirt Derby, the only NASCAR national series event held on dirt, has been canceled for July 2020 due to the coronavirus. STAFF FILE

Eldora Speedway’s NASCAR Gander Outdoors & RV Truck Series event is no longer on the 2020 NASCAR series schedule.

The eighth annual Eldora Dirt Derby, the only NASCAR national series event held on dirt, was to be held July 29-30 but is now canceled, Eldora Speedway announced Wednesday afternoon.

The state of Ohio restricts large gatherings and prohibits spectators from grandstands at large venues. Also, state officials would not approve Eldora’s proposal to host reduced capacity events, according to the speedway’s news release.

“ “Eldora remains a highlight of the NASCAR season. The atmosphere in the grandstands is electric, and you can always count on someone having a big career moment that night. This year’s lineup of dirt racers who planned to battle the Truck Series regulars was going to produce one of our strongest fields ever,” said Roger Slack, general manager of Eldora Speedway. “Losing this event is a gut punch for everyone who is a part of it.”