‘Mounting pressure’ over coronavirus forces promoter to cancel drag races in Gulfport
A race promoter says he is canceling weekend drag races that were set to begin Friday at the Gulfport Dragway because of community concerns over the new coronavirus.
The Harrison County Board of Supervisors was prepared Friday morning to allow the races to move forward . Supervisors did not call the issue to a vote Friday because, they said, the event is on private property.
Board attorney Tim Holleman told them that they did have authority under state law to order the races canceled.
Several hours later, promoter Gaylon Rolison of Gulfport posted on the Facebook page for the event, The Savage Performance Footbrake 150:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that the Savage Performance Footbrake 150 is canceled.
“There is mounting pressure from numerous local community leaders questioning the integrity of the event and/or promoter.
“I apologize for this incredible inconvenience. I don’t want to give a black eye to the racing community or Gulfport Dragway.”
Rolison told the Sun Herald on Thursday, when the races were still on for Friday through Sunday, that crowds do not congregate in the stands.
“My first priority is the safety of racers, track officials and the community,” he said.
Dragway owner Theresa Reese said the facility was going to close after this event because other booked events would have involved spectator crowds.
“The one event we were going to have, there was going to be a lot of spectators,” she said. “We were closing as of Sunday evening and not opening until April 20.” She has 14 part-time employees who will not be paid, she said.
She said that she will reassess April 20 and see if the raceway can reopen.
Supervisors did not feel they should intervene because the event is on private property and other private businesses are still operating, as are county offices. But that will change Monday. Supervisor Beverly Martin said, “Let’s practice what we preach.”
The supervisors voted to close nonessential offices at courthouses in Biloxi and Gulfport on Monday until at least April 6. They will send employees home on administrative leave with pay and reassess at their next regular meeting April 6.
Courts, tax offices and the chancery clerk’s office will remain open, although business has been curtailed, particularly in the courts. People are allowed in the tax collector’s office only two at a time, but a crowd of about 50 ignored blue tape on the tiles encouraging them to separate by 10 feet.
The 26-mile public beach remains open.
Drivers attracted from across the region
Rolison said Thursday that he was taking measures to keep his event safe, including hand-sanitizer stations.
This would have been the fourth year for the event.
The cars race two at a time in brackets until there is a winner, Rolison said. Racers signed up for the event were coming to the raceway on Canal Road from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky.
“It’s not spectator sport at all because people don’t understand it,” he said. “There’s some things we put into place to make sure everybody’s in the safest environment possible.” Hand sanitizing stations will be set up, according to the event Facebook page.
Connie Rockco, president of the Board of Supervisors, said Friday morning that she wanted to follow the guidelines coming from the White House and the governor’s office to limit gatherings.
The White House has recommended that social gatherings temporarily be limited to 10 or fewer people to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC says the threshold for events should be lower than 250 people and, beyond that, the community’s circumstances should be the guide. The CDC’s recommendation for 10 or fewer people applies to high-risk populations.
Outdoor space would limit exposure, promoter said
Rolison said people are in more danger of exposure to the new coronavirus in a grocery store or restaurant.
The raceway sits on more than 100 acres, he said. He said drivers may have from zero to three crew members. They bring recreational vehicles and park at least 10 feet from one another on the grounds.
Between races, he said, many return to their RVs. Races were to be held each day, with a cash prize of up to $15,000 for races on Saturday and Sunday. Rolison had already canceled a Saturday night dinner that would have included a crowd.
He will try to reschedule the event, the Facebook page said.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
