Gov. Inslee orders shutdown of most motorsports

OLYMPIA - A new coronavirus-related mandate ending most motorsports statewide went into effect today, Monday, Aug. 24.

Under a new directive from Gov. Jay Inslee, "participant-only motorsports spectators, camping, races and events are not allowed" in Phase 1-2 counties.

The order became effective at midnight.

Under the order, go-kart tracks, off-road vehicle and other motorsports facilities are barred from operating. The order also applies to on-water motorsports, such as hydroplane and personal watercraft events.

The move comes after several places statewide opened motorsports venues for race teams to tune and test.

While they ordered shutdown only covers about 23 of the state's 39 counties, the remaining Phase 3 counties are still generally prohibited from allowing racing events.

On July 16, Inslee lowered the number of people allowed to gather to just 10 people, even if they are more than 6 feet apart.

With races effectively shuttered, Washington racers and fans have been flocking to events in Idaho.

Several Eastern Washington race car drivers have been competing in Stateline, Idaho, which has events planned at least through the end of September.

Jet Ski racers, too, are headed east this coming weekend to compete in the Idaho Buoy Bash in Hazelton.

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Roger Harnack, Publisher

Roger Harnack is the co-owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.

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