4/11/2020
RacinBoys
SDBA, KDBA postpone Inaugural Drag Boat Spring Nationals on Lake Lucas
By Lyndal Scranton (Wheatland, MO) -- Due to guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Inaugural Drag Boat Spring Nationals at Lucas Oil Speedway set for May 15-17 has been postponed.
Officials from both co-sanctioning bodies - the Kentucky Drag Boat Association and Southern Drag Boat Association - announced the decision on Friday.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kenny Shaw
"I think the right thing to do is make this call 30 days out," said David Carroll, Series Director for the SDBA. "As our racers travel from many different states with means of travel through air and highways, I truly think that this our only option at this time.
"We hope to be back racing on our series in June and have a great 2020 season, but our priority right now is the health and safety of our fans, drivers and crews," Carroll added. "We are taking every step - and will continue to do so once the season begins."
KDBA President Barry Salsman agreed, and added, "I really hate this happening. I thought it was going to be a banner year, back to racing at Lucas Oil Speedway. I never thought this virus was going to get this bad, but man, it's bad."
In the meantime, SDBA and KDBA management will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with federal, state, local and public health officials along with information that is based on guidelines from the CDC.
The KDBA's Inaugural Summer Thunder on Lake Lucas, June 13-14, remains on the schedule as of now.
"I'd say 30 days prior to the event, about the 15th of May, we'll have to make a call on that one," Salsman said. "We'll have to make a call on the economic situation and the coronavirus situation is at that time."
The 9th annual Diamond Drag Boat Nationals, co-sanctioned by the KDBA and SDBA, is scheduled for Sept. 5-6.
"We will keep everyone updated as necessary and urge everyone to follow our website SDBAracing.com and social media platforms," Carroll said.
Information on the Kentucky Drag Boat Association can be found at KDBA.net.
"We certainly understand the decision by the SDBA and KDBA to make the call now," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Danny Lorton said. "We hope to see the return of drag boat racing to Lake Lucas later in the year, for the two other scheduled events. Until then, we hope everyone stays safe out there."
Lucas Oil Speedway's dirt-track racing opener, due to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations in regards to the COVID-19 virus, has been postponed until tentatively May 9.
The Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series features racing in four divisions - Pitts Homes USRA Modified, Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods, Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models and O'Reilly Auto Parts Street Stocks.
Season passes for 2020, along with gift cards which can be redeemed in any department of the speedway, are now available. Contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
