Coronavirus: NASCAR ready to return to racing

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The green flag is dropped -- NASCAR will start racing again May 17 with a race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, association officials said Thursday.

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It will be the first race in nearly two months after suspending the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials plan seven races over an 11-day span. Other races will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

No fans will be in attendance for the 400-mile race as officials adhere to social distancing measures.

“NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing, and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president, said in a statement.