Ontario's Reopening Plan Includes Speedways, Driving Schools

While new modelling suggested keeping some measures until June, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced details Thursday for a new three-step reopening plan, as the province continues to see signs of recovery from a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A three-step plan has been laid out to gradually reopen in some activity sectors, including outdoor sports and sporting events throughout the next weeks and months.

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These reopenings include motor speedways, which have remained closed since last year.

If all goes as planned, race tracks and motorsport facilities should be allowed to host events starting June 14th. While grandstands won’t be able to welcome spectators at this stage, racing series and teams will be able to kick-start their season as part of Phase 1 of the reopening plan.

The government plans to stay in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days, after which it will reassess the situation and move on the Phase 2 if key public health and health system indicators remain positive.

Phases 2 and 3 of Ontario’s reopening plan will let speedways welcome spectators with “limited capacity and other restrictions."

Driving Schools Will Kick Into Gear, Too

Since last year, driving instruction and testing was not permitted, except for drivers of commercial vehicles. Phase 1 of Ontario’s reopening plan will permit driving testing with restrictions, while Phase 2 and 3 will permit driving testing and instruction with restrictions.

While spectators in the grandstands and student drivers will have to wait until later in July to watch a race or learn to drive, yesterday’s announcements are good news for motorists and race fans alike.