Outer Banks Times

Bobby Watson's Carteret County Speedway reopened May 30 for business as Gov. Roy Cooper modified the second phase of reopening to allow outside gatherings.

Cooper's modification will allow outdoor events to have up to 25 people, News & Observer reported. But ACE Speedway, another racetrack that reopened recently, had 2,550 people attend its races. 

The governor didn't approve the gathering at ACE Speedway and hoped no one got sick from such a large congregation. But Bob Lowery, owner of Carteret County Speedway in Peletier, told WNCT on May 27 that racing can relieve stress. 

“A lot of people have been under a lot of stress and short track racing is one of the best stress relievers there is,” Lowery told WNCT. 

Lowery will take safety precautions to ensure social distancing is practiced and sanitation is happening regularly, the News & Observer reported. 

“And we also encourage people you know that are feeling bad or have a high temperature, whatever, please stay home because we have another entire racing season coming up after this race,” Lowery told WNCT.