Typically, tracks like Oswego Speedway would be filled with fans during July 4th weekend. And that seemed like a possibility when parts of New York entered Phase Four of repening last week.

Instead, they will sit empty for at least a few more weeks after the staff has been told to pump the brakes on bringing fans back in.

“It’s a devastating time. You feel really bad for the fans, feel bad for the competitors and it’s also tough financially for the racetrack. It’s obviously tough for everybody and something nobody has had to deal with before," said Oswego Speedway Public Relations Director Camden Proud.

Cory Reed, who's the general manager of Brewerton and Fulton Speedways, agrees.

“We all did our time. We all put in our delays. We all paused as we were supposed to and then phase four comes and 'oh, sorry brakes are on, not you.' That’s not fair," Reed said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive order banning fans from the stands was set to expire on July 2 so tracks like Oswego were planning races for this weekend. Those plans came to a screeching halt when the order was extended to July 21.

“It’s a huge financial impact. That’s money that’s not coming into the facility, that’s money that can be used toward maintenance, toward the purse, things like that," Proud said.

“The state needs the money. Businesses need to survive. It’s not just us, it’s not the money we make, it’s the grocery stores, the convenience stories, the gas stations locally. It’s more than just the direct impact on us," Reed said.

So far, Oswego and Brewerton have lost 14 races combined.

“It’s a very strange feeling. It really stinks. It’s the first time since 1962 when we started racing these cars here that we haven’t had one of them on the track," Proud said.

“I feel like we have the system in place. They’ve been giving us a lot of guidelines in order to do it right and we’ve been on the sidelines," Reed said. 

When they are off the sidelines, the fan experience will be much different.

“Just practice social distancing, facemasks will be mandatory, stand six feet apart when you can. Other than that, just enjoy the races," Proud said. "We’ll be really excited to have everybody back."

“Spacing will be a key thing," Reed added. "We’ll have hand sanitizing stations everywhere. We’re looking at mask requirements, at least similar to restaurants where if you’re moving around you have to have them on,."

For now, all local tracks can do is wait for the governor’s green light.

“When the time's right, it’ll be worth it. Ultimately it pays off for everybody from a health perspective and everything else," Reed said. 

Hoping that drivers and fans will see the checkered flag on state restrictions as soon as possible.