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COVID-19 Scares Back in the NASCAR Grid, Justin Haley Out of Dover Race
Once again, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up another ugly reminder that it is not going anywhere just yet. As it turns out, Xfinity driver Justin Haley has become the latest victim of the lethal virus. Obviously, this means that he will be unavailable to race this weekend at the Dover International Speedway.
Now, the latest reports say that Truck Series driver Zane Smith will sub in for him. Admittedly, this could jeopardize Haley’s chances of making the Xfinity Playoffs.
Luckily for him, since this was a circumstance beyond his control, Haley will possibly get a waiver. Meanwhile, Josh Berry received the nod to take Haley’s Cup Series seat in the Spire Motorsports team.
Justin Haley is out for Dover because of COVID-19 protocols. Zane Smith to replace him in the No. 11 Xfinity car. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 14, 2021
Smith said, “Bummed for Justin & hoping for a quick return but Excited for this opportunity, can’t wait to be back in a Xfinity car at one of my favorite places.
“Last time we were there it went pretty good! Hope to represent Kaulig Racing the best I can and give my miles the monster a friend!“
Justin Haley was not the first NASCAR driver to test positive for COVID-19
Last year, a few other drivers tested positive for the virus. Among them were Cup Series drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Austin Dillon, and the then Truck Series part-time driver Natalie Decker. On the bright side, the three of them have since recovered and have resumed racing.
Now, Dillon is still in the Cup Series, but Johnson has moved to the IndyCar scene for this season. Meanwhile, Decker is now a part-time driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and has a few races under her belt.
Coming back to Justin Haley, though, it is highly likely that he may miss a couple more races. This is because he will have to recover, in addition to self quarantining after his recovery.
For now, the poor old invalid has been reduced to a bench warmer. All he can do now is sit and hopefully ride out this infection.
Once he is fighting fit, Haley will definitely tackle the remaining races with a vengeance. In addition to that, he will also be hoping that he has not lost too much ground to his rivals.
READ MORE: Which NASCAR Drivers Contracted COVID-19 and Who Else was Affected?
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