One of the Northwest's top short track racing facilities will open their 2020 season later than planned due to the effects of the coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19. Following Washington Governor Jay Inslee's ban on large gatherings with over 250 people through the month of March in three counties (King, Pierce and Snohomish), Evergreen Speedway has canceled the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series opener scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

Evergreen Speedway is located in the city of Monroe in Snohomish County, Washington. The track hosts a variety of motorsports events throughout the year, including NASCAR Whelen All-American Series weekly competition and the $25,000-to-win Summer Showdown for Super Late Models in July. NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Dillon recently filed an entry for that event.

"Along with other sporting organizations, we’re considering the possibility of running competitors only events," track officials said in a press release. "However, we hope to be back to full operations by April. First and foremost, our concern is for the health and safety of our communities and the region."

As of 2 p.m. PT Wednesday afternoon, the Washington state Department of Health reported a total of 366 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Twenty-nine of the 36 deaths reported in the United States have taken place in Washington, with the majority being residents of King County.

According to a track press release, Evergreen Speedway officials will continue to work closely with Snohomish County officials, while following daily updates from the state and federal authorities.

Currently, the track is scheduled to open on Saturday, April 4 with five divisions of racing, bus races and fireworks.

-Story by: Brandon Paul, Speed51 Content Manager - Twitter: @Brandon_Paul51

-Photo credit: Speed51

Washington Race Track Cancels Event Due to Coronavirus