Car race draws thousands after dubbing itself a ‘protest’

ELON, N.C. — A North Carolina speedway drew a crowd of more than 2,000 spectators in defiance of the state’s coronavirus restrictions after declaring the race a “protest."

The governor’s office previously warned Ace Speedway in Elon, North Carolina, that a crowd of more than 25 would violate the state’s phase two of reopening in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions.

But it’s possible more than 2,000 people attended a race Saturday night, WSOC-TV reported.

Ace Speedway workers performed temperature checks before people went inside the track, according to the news station.

A sign from management outside the speedway said, “This Event is held in Peaceful Protest of Injustice and Inequality Everywhere.”

The local sheriff’s office said it is “evaluating the events.”

Cox Media Group