229720
225768
Penticton  

Racing to resume at Penticton Speedway with empty stands

No spectators at Speedway

Races will resume at the Penticton Speedway, but there won't be anyone in the stands. 

The Speedway had pleaded with Dr. Bonnie Henry in a direct letter to allow them to operate with social distancing, saying the 50-person limit on that applies to other businesses like restaurants was not reasonable given the size of the property and the ease of implementing safety protocols. 

Track owner Johnny Aantjes learned Friday that while they have the go-ahead to race, more than 50 spectators are still a no. 

"To say I am frustrated is an understatement. There is a lack of consistency and common sense attached to the order currently, in my opinion. We have followed the rules from the start, but now we are being put in a disadvantaged position with blanket rules that are not evenly distributed," Aantjes said. 

He plans to push ahead with racing this weekend, but the stands will be empty. 

"I understand that this is a difficult time, and we do not want to put anyone in more risk than they already have in our community. This is not about a speedway....this is about a small family business being overlooked," Aantjes said. 

"Dr.Bonnie Henry....Please be kind,  so we can all stay calm and safely help small businesses survive!"



More Penticton News

233021