Postponed Gatornationals get the greenlight this weekend September 25-27th

The 51st Annual NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals are set to take off Sept. 25th-27th at noon.

 

The Gatornationals is an annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing event usually held each March at Gainesville Raceway, but this year’s event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The event was held for the first time in 1970. The traditional East Coast opener and the season’s first of 16 events for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders and first of 10 for NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series racers moves back to the second spot on the calendar. The event is one of the sport’s most revered with a rich tradition of history-making performances. This hallowed ground has entertained spring-break-loving fans for decades with such notable occasions as the first 260-mph Top Fuel and Funny Car runs in 1984 and the first 270-mph and 300-mph Top Fuel passes, in 1986 and 1992, respectively.

Its 675-foot concrete launchpad is one of the longest on the tour.

 

To check out ticket options, click here.

 

• Everyone 2 years old or older must wear a mask or a cloth face covering at the event. Mask must cover both mouth and nose.
• Everyone must submit to a non-contact temperature check prior to entry.
• By entering, each person confirms that they are not currently experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms and have not been recently exposed to the virus.  You may be asked related health questions.
• Everyone must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (or 2 meters) between their party and others.
• If you are sick or not feeling well, please do not come to the event.

• Temperature check before admittance – anyone over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will not be admitted or needs to leave.
• Masks/cloth face coverings required
• Social Distancing required
• Hand washing encouraged
• Hand sanitizing encouraged

Ample supplies of soap and water, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies will be available and used on site. Additional cleaning will be done before, during, and after the event.

 

 

Electronic and cashless payments should be utilized as much as possible including:

 

Use of online/in-advance credentials/tickets 

Use of Print-at-home or mobile entry tickets

 

There will be a limit to the number of spectators allowed on site

NHRA will use the PA system to communicate on-site and supplement with signage and other communications NHRA will provide signage or otherwise mark grandstands for social distancing and will have security/ushers to remind people of social distancing.

Concessions will be marked for social distancing in lines

Restrooms will have signage and markings for social distancing

 

Interaction between our fans and racers has always been one of the best and most unique aspects of NHRA Drag Racing. The pits at NHRA national events will be open to all fans, but in order to allow this, fans and racers must practice caution including but not limited to:

 

• Limiting face-to-face contact and staying as contactless as possible
• Maintaining social distancing at a minimum of 6 feet
• No handshakes, fist bumps, hugs or other touching
• Racers using pre-signed hero cards
• Having hand sanitizer and wipes available

An unavoidable risk of exposure to and contracting COVID-19 exists anywhere people are or have been present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness, disability, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Although the NHRA has instituted reasonable practices in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19, NHRA cannot guarantee that you will not succumb to the virus. By attending our event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to COVID-19.