HARTFORD, Ohio — After the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown much of the world in recent months, Sharon Speedway has finally been given the green light to return to racing.

The 91st anniversary season will get underway June 27 with the previously scheduled show featuring the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply 410 Sprint Cars for $3,000 to-win, RUSH Sprint Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products RUSH Sportsman Modifieds and the Elite Econo Mod Series.

“The last couple months have certainly been a challenging situation for everyone,” explained Sharon Speedway general manager Dave Willoughby. “This hasn’t been something than anyone has experienced before. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked hard to finally get the approval to return to racing with fans. We’ll be picking up with our planned schedule and look forward to the 27th with two classes of sprint cars and two classes of modifieds.”

The major offseason project that took place was the infield fan zone, which will debut on the 27th. For no additional cost, fans will have the opportunity to witness racing from the infield.

In addition to the grassy infield viewing area, concrete pads have been added in turn four and on the backstretch of the infield, which are perfectly suited for lawn chair viewing. An infield concession area has also been added to the already existing multiple frontstretch concessions and backstretch concession.

“While we’re certainly proud of our facility, we’re always looking at ways to improve the experience for our attendees,” added Willoughby. “The infield viewing is popular at a lot of tracks outside the area so we’re really looking forward to being able to add this new and unique viewing option for our fans. The racing has greatly improved since the new red clay surface put down in 2017, and not only did we add to that base again, but fans will now be able to see it up close and from a vantage point that probably most have never experienced before. And little did we know that when we announced this endeavor, social distancing would become the norm in 2020.”