Austin Dillon Becomes Second NASCAR Driver to Test Positive for COVID-19

Last month, Jimmie Johnson tested positive for the coronavirus bug and pulled out ahead of the Brickyard 400. This time, another COVID case has popped up but has hit the Richard Childress Racing team. As per their report, driver Austin Dillon self-reported a positive test earlier on Saturday.

Obviously, this means that he is effectively out of the Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Owing to the positive test, Dillon is undergoing self-isolation and Kaz Grala is set to race in his stead. Fortunately, his wife and son Ace are healthy and symptom-free, according to the team.

With regard to his next step, Dillon must now turn in two negative COVID-19 tests, both taken at least 24 hours apart. In addition to that, the driver requires written clearance from a doctor to resume racing activity. If he fails to do all these within the 10-day quarantine period, the NASCAR medical professionals will assess his return status.

What else for Austin Dillon?

Back in mid-July, the Richard Childress Racing driver qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs with a victory in Texas. He will be glad to know that he will receive a medical waiver saying that he need not compete in every race to be eligible.

It is also worth noting that this is Dillon’s seventh full season of Cup Series competition. In his career, the 30-year-old picked up three premier-series wins and championships in the Xfinity Series and Gander Trucks Series.

“RCR takes the safety of our employees, fellow competitors, fans, partners and outside vendors seriously,” the team said in a statement. “Based upon recommendations outlined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NASCAR and our health partners at Wake-Forest Baptist Health. RCR has enacted procedures and safety protocols designed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread.

“These guidelines were developed in close consultation with a panel of medical experts with broad experience in infectious diseases. Many of whom have been on the front line in treating COVID-19 patients across the country. We will continue to adhere to these guidelines. In order to protect the health and safety of our employees and their families, and our business partners.”