As someone still registered for this event, even with these precautions I still have concerns about it going forward.
I hope things get better over the next 30-45 days.
Absent from the 2020 calendar, along with so many other iconic events, was the Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Grassroots Motorsports magazine. However, Brock Yates Jr., the mastermind behind the event, announced that it will return this year, though with a number of new rules in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
Specifically, masks—N95 is the preferred choice here—will be required indoors at all times and outdoors if individuals are within 10 feet of one another. Teams are highly encouraged to self-quarantine before the event starts and to get the vaccine if they can.
Above all, Yates explains, “this is a serious disease, and I’m not going to tolerate anyone’s negligence in keeping the rest of us safe.”
Besides that, the only major change is that Road Atlanta is no longer one of the stops. Instead, teams will head to Atlanta Motorsports Park.
So far, the event is set to take place this May, though more details—such as a lodging list, tire policy and COVID-19 protocols will be coming soon.
For more information, visit the One Lap of America website or read the entire release below:
I suppose it’s time for an update from my secure, undisclosed location to the state of the Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. This has been a difficult year for all of us. Between disruptions in our daily routines, to watching the country disagree on virtually everything, all the while too many people have been stricken by Covid. I want to thank all of the entrants for supporting, or at least understanding, my decision last year to postpone. I really think lives were saved.
At this point, I think we can run in May but I will need and require everyone’s cooperation to ensure a safe week. For those that remember the norovirus/food poisoning episode a few years ago, ours is a traveling super-spreader nightmare. Our friendships, socializing and constant contact for a week makes running this event in a pandemic especially problematic.
I will be instituting rules that will follow the event around the country for everyone’s safety and I will have little patience for transgressions. This is a serious disease and I’m not going to tolerate anyone’s negligence in keeping the rest of us safe. Masks will be required in any indoor spaces, outdoors within 10 feet of any person, social distancing is now a way of life and sadly will be for the foreseeable future. Teams should coordinate and self-quarantine before the start as it is important to trust your co-drivers as you’ll be spending a lot of time in close quarters. My staff will have to do the same. At this time, it appears we will have a Driver’s Meeting but by Zoom a week before, and unless we can come up with a good plan, it is very likely the Awards Banquet will be different too. I am undecided on daily temperature checks but in the spirit of One Lap and our regard for others, I will need everyone to monitor their own health and be honest as the risks are real.
I will suggest strongly that anyone that can, get a vaccination. I also would like everyone to find N95 masks. One Lap has always been a beacon of sportsmanship and camaraderie and we need your cooperation more than ever.
There have been a few changes to the schedule that aren’t yet reflected on the main page. Last year I contacted each track and got a commitment to the same date one year later. Only one track, due to a change in management, decided not to honor our agreement. Sadly, it was Road Atlanta. I know most of you will be disappointed but I was able to book Atlanta Motorsports Park for the day instead and Lanier Raceplex is still on for the afternoon. Once the team finishes at AMP, they will head to Lanier, where we will have another crew running cars as they arrive. To make the day a bit longer, there will be a passage control at Glen Dodd’s old shop in Piedmont, SC to say hello. Nothing serious but Glen was a great friend and supporter of the event and we can stop by for a few minutes.
I’m sure there will be more updates soon. There will be a revised Lodging List and Tire Policy posted soon and the rules updated to reflect our required Covid protocols.
More as I know more.
Thank you,
Brock
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As someone still registered for this event, even with these precautions I still have concerns about it going forward.
I hope things get better over the next 30-45 days.
In reply to spacecadet (Forum Supporter) :
I have no reservations with regards to Brock's capacity or willingness (though not eager) to send people home if they aren't in compliance and playing nicely. I am confident that if he didn't have 100% confidence himself in the event being able to go off safely without issue that it wouldn't be going on.
I wouldn't have the same level of confidence with regards to many other parties, so this isn't me saying events can be done and enjoyed because restrictions and protocols can be put in place. This is me saying Brock won't give warnings, people aren't going to be told you need to do X y and Z, then when they don't be told you need to do this or you're going to be asked to leave. They're going to be told you need to do X y and Z and if they don't they're going to be gone, (which I take zero issue with).
In reply to captdownshift (Forum Supporter) :
My reservations are more about my own personal feelings about doing this with the current unchecked spread. If this event was moved back 4+ months I'd be 100% onboard.
Thinking back to 2018 and the year I was there...
3 guys in our team/car. This would need to be treated like family. These are the people you sleep with, eat with, ride with. Like family, I wouldn't be wearing masks around this group. Gather as a group in the beginning of the week having done some pre-quarintine and tested. Many teams are actually family (husband and wife teams, etc.)
Aside from that and considering there will not be many spectators (if any.) I think I could have limited my exposure to people I get within 6 ft of (though with a mask) to have been the Seth Team and Roberts Racing Team; two people each. Generally, they were our travel and paddock buddies. I think I could interact with all others by keeping 10 ft distance.
Other than that it's just normal gas station interactions and fast food interactions not that much different than at home which is to generally say, "as little interaction as possible."
The only other thing is hotels but One Lap's schedule doesn't offer much time to linger around these places. A quick stop at check-in and then to bed. In the morning a fast pass of the buffet and out the door, eating it in the car. Now, all the hotels are just grab and go for breakfast so this becomes even easier.
Sure, it becomes a different event and some camaraderie will be lost but we have all gotten good/used to this needed distance.
I certainly agree, Brock will have no problem putting the smack down on anyone who violates.
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