Ravished by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series schedule has seen some massive alterations since the virus took the country by storm in March.
Since then, a total of 16 different events at 14 race tracks across 10 states have been postponed or cancelled, changing the entire landscape of the 2020 calendar.
However, considering it was a global pandemic and all, this year’s slate is not far from the norm when it comes to events held. In fact, out of the 17 modern era seasons since 2004, the 2020 campaign ranks tied for 12th in the category of races ran by this date.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series offered nine nights of racing before the pandemic struck – three nights of the “Battle at the Border” at Vado (NM) Speedway Park, four DIRTcar Nationals shows at Volusia (FL) Speedway Park, and a Tennessee trip to Duck River Raceway Park & Smoky Mountain Speedway. After that, a long 77-day period of no racing ensued before the series finally returned with a May doubleheaders at Minnesota’s Jackson Motorplex and Iowa’s Davenport Speedway.
While 16 different events have been affected, the 2020 season still ranks ahead of campaigns from 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011 in races ran by this date. As of now, with plenty of potential changes possible, the World of Outlaws still have 31 events remaining on the schedule this year. A 44-event slate would still rank as one of the busiest seasons in World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series history.
The RETURN to RACING tour continues next weekend when the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series races in front of fans for the first time in over three months. Scheduled to compete at Volunteer Speedway, a high-banked, 4/10th-mile speedplant in Bulls Gap, Tenn., the Outlaws will be making their first trip back to “The Gap” in more than two years. While still following local guidelines, a certain number of fans will be allowed in attendance. Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased HERE.
COMPARED TO OTHER SEASONS:
2020 – 13 races ran
2019 – 14 races ran
2018 – 14 races ran
2017 – 16 races ran
2016 – 15 races ran
2015 – 16 races ran
2014 – 13 races ran
2013 – 18 races ran
2012 – 15 races ran
2011 – 11 races ran
2010 – 16 races ran
2009 – 14 races ran
2008 – 12 races ran
2007 – 16 races ran
2006 – 12 races ran
2005 – 11 races ran
2004 – 15 races ran
2020 EVENTS AFFECTED:
March 27 – Volunteer Speedway (Bulls Gap, TN)
March 28 – Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC)
April 3 – Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL)
April 4 – Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL)
April 24 – Richmond Raceway (Richmond, KY)
April 25 – Brushcreek Motorsports Complex (Peebles, OH)
May 1 – Boone Speedway (Boone, IA)
May 2 – Boone Speedway (Boone, IA)
May 8 – Lavonia Speedway (Lavonia, GA)
May 9 – Cochran Motor Speedway (Cochran, GA)
May 15 – Moler Raceway Park (Williamsburg, OH)
May 16 – Wayne County Speedway (Orrville, OH)
May 29 – Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
May 30 – Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt, IN)
June 18 – Stateline Speedway (Busti, NY)
June 19 – Genesee Speedway (Batavia, NY)
June 20 – Selinsgrove Speedway (Selinsgrove, PA)
