Joey Logano says that NASCAR’s event healthcare measures make him “feel safer at the race track than I do at the grocery store” regarding the threat of from COVID-19.
Speaking to the media via Zoom ahead of this Sunday’s race at Charlotte, Logano said that the protocols put in place by NASCAR has allowed it to take full advantage of being the first top-line motorsport league to get back racing.
The measures include health screenings, use of personal protective equipment and social distancing.
“One of my favourite lines I’ve heard this whole time is ‘Don’t let a good crisis go to waste’,” said Logano.
“And at this point, yes, there is a lot of risk that we are all weighing out, and concerns, and there are a lot of people trying to weather this storm – whether it’s financially with their job or physically with their health.
“There are a lot of things up in the air, but there is also a lot of opportunity that sits in front of us as all these businesses are shut down and industries are shut down.
“For us to find a way to get back to the race track as a sport, as an industry, and get back to work before most was an amazing opportunity that I think NASCAR saw and it was important for everybody on this call for that to happen.
“For all of our livelihoods – every one of us. That’s something I’m proud of this sport to be able to do that and do this in the safest way we possibly can.
“I know I feel plenty safe at the race track. I feel safer at the race track than I do at the grocery store. I really do at this point.”
NASCAR ran two Cup Series events and one Xfinity race at Darlington this week, and its focus on racing – by cancelling practice and qualifying sessions – has restricted the requirement for interaction between drivers and crew members.
Teams are limited to 16 members, including the driver.
The images taken of the safety protocols so far have included TV cameras Ryan Preece getting dressed into his firesuit in the back of his pickup truck in the car park, and the drivers walking from there to their cars in the pitlane carrying their own helmets – all wearing PPE masks, which they can only remove when they are inside their race car.
Speaking about the events of this week, Logano said: “I think everything went as smooth as you could possibly hope for.
“So a lot of credit to NASCAR, a lot of credit to the leaders in our sport, whether it’s owners, team principals of any sort, OEMs, everyone worked together to make this happen.
“The protocol part is a little weird, but it is what it is and I’m glad we’re doing it – don’t get me wrong.
“As far as once you’re strapped in the car and racing nothing is different, nothing at all.
“The way you communicate to your team – we’re used to being secluded inside of a race car and only communicate through your radio.
“That’s what we do. That’s our job. Nothing changes from the driver’s standpoint.”