Lucas Oil Speedway has announced plans to kick off its season, with an Open Test and Tune scheduled for May 9 and the first Big Adventure RV Weekly Championship Series program set for May 16.

As outlined in his letter to racers and fans earlier this week, General Manager Danny Lorton said business will be different at the speedway for everyone in light of the COVID-19 virus.

"We've worked closely with state and Hickory County officials and are confident about our plan to get back to racing with some strict health guidelines that we will follow," Lorton said. "Our priority is the safety of our fans, drivers and staff and with everyone's cooperation, we'll be able to achieve that."

To ensure social distancing in the pit area, the May 16, 23 and 30 weekly programs will be limited to 30 pre-registrations in each division: Pitts Homes USRA Modified, Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models, O'Reilly Auto Parts Street Stocks and Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods. Pre-registration must be done on Lucas Oil Speedway's MyRacePass site.

"We will offer our top 15 drivers from our 2019 championship points standings the first opportunities to pre-register for the May 16th event," Lorton said. "These top 15 from each class will have until noon May 12 to preregister via MyRacePass. After noon on May 12, it will be open registration for each class until we fill the 30 spots for each class."

Registration will close at 5 p.m. on May 15 with the field capped at 30 in each division.

Drivers will receive a confirmation email from MyRacePass that they are entered. Drivers and fans also will be able to go to the MyRacePass app to see confirmed drivers.

The same pre-registration procedure will follow for the two remaining May events, but with 2020 points used for those. Details about pre-registration dates for the May 23 and 30 programs will be announced.

Teams will be required to leave one pit stall empty between the haulers throughout May. The May 9 practice day will run from 2-6 p.m. with the pit office opening at 10 a.m. to alleviate congestion as drivers arrive.

Social distancing of 6 feet will be required for spectators through the month of May, though families May sit together in the grandstand. Masks are not mandatory but are recommended and the speedway will offer disposable masks at the gate while supplies last. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the facility and restrooms will be sanitized frequently throughout the racing program.

There will be a limited menu at the concession stands for the first few weeks.

"We realize that this is a big departure from what everyone is used to, but we are in unique times," Lorton said. "We would ask that everyone cooperate and follow the guidelines so we can all enjoy the sport that we love. We know that everyone is eager to get back to racing and we thank the drivers and fans for their patience."

Gates will open at 4 p.m. on May 16 with hot laps set for 6:30 and racing at 7:05.

To make up for some weekly events that already were postponed, Lorton said as of now three of those four will be made up on dates that originally were scheduled to be off weeks at the speedway. So instead of the scheduled 13 Weekly Championship Series programs, there now will be 12.

For ticket questions or information for any event this season, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.

Revised Lucas Oil Speedway Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series 2020 Schedule:

May 16 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
May 23 ... USRA Modifieds ($1,000 to win), USRA B-Mods
May 30 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
June 6 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods ($750 to win)
June 13 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
June 20 ... USRA Modifieds ($1,000 to win), USRA B-Mods
July 2 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
July 11 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods ($750 to win)
July 25 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
Aug. 1 ... USRA Modifieds ($1,000 to win), USRA B-Mods
Aug. 8 ... USRA B-Mods
Aug. 15 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
Aug. 22 ... USRA Modifieds, USRA B-Mods
Sept. 5 ... USRA B-Mods
Oct. 8-10 ... USRA B-Mods

Schedule is tentative and subject to change without notice.