IMSA Clamps Down on “Zero Tolerance” Mask Policy

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

IMSA has clamped down on its COVID-19 event protocol, threatening suspensions and expulsions for credentialed people not adhering to its “zero tolerance” enforcement of mask-wearing during events.

Released in a competition bulletin ahead of this weekend’s Michelin Endurance Challenge at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the sanctioning body has reiterated the mandatory wearing of face masks at all times while on track property.

It comes after reaching an “unacceptable level of non-compliance” in recent events.

“To date IMSA Officials have applied a courteous approach however in many cases
compliance requests have been ignored (masks being removed when IMSA is
perceived to not be observing),” the statement read.

“In advance of this weekend’s Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta event, IMSA reminds
our stakeholders there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding mandatory compliance
with the IMSA Event Operations Protocols and this policy will now be escalated.”

IMSA has outlined a penalty protocol for non-compliance that includes the suspension and/or revocation of credentials and parking passes for a “definite or indefinite period of time.”

Any punishment from the sanctioning body would be final and not subject to a protest or appeal.

In the event of a team-related infraction, IMSA will notify the event representative with a verbal warning prior to expulsion of the crew member for a repeat offense.

Multiple drivers and crew members have been seen in television feeds, or being interviewed post-race while not wearing masks, which along with other reports, is understood to have prompted the bulletin.

IMSA has advised that any forms of rehydration and food consumption should be done with the “appropriate amount” of social distancing.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John