8A | APRIL 8, 2021 | Races COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL normal capacity. “And the last thing I wanted was another loan,” said Boyce. Fortunately, the Speedway was able to absorb the hit until it fi- nally opened its doors to spectators again on Sat- urday. Though operating at just 50 percent capacity, Boyce said things seems to be heading in the right direction financially. “Our grandstands hold 4,000, so 50 percent capacity is right at 2,000 and that’s a pretty good night for us,” she said. from A1 opened doors to less re- strictive social gather- ings. As Lane County was still listed under “low” risk status as of Satur- day, tickets were sold to accommodate only 50 percent capacity of the Speedway. Fans were asked to stay home if displaying any symptoms or were feel- ing ill and masks were required in the grand- stand and concession areas when not eating or drinking or if people were not able to socially distance. The event marked the first step toward a “re- turn to normal” for the Speedway, which saw its new ownership under Boyce facing a challeng- ing last year. Boyce’s timing was less than ideal – she purchased the Speed- way just as the COVID restrictions set in. De- spite years of experience running the operation for the previous owner, nothing could have pre- pared her for the result- ing shutdown and the restrictions were a major blow to the business. “Last year was pretty rough,” she said. “We did open for about 11 races. Normally, we run closer to 40 events.” See SPEED 9A DAMIEN SHERWOOD/COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL The season opener saw an enthusiastic turnout as fans had been prevented from watching the few races that took place last year due to COVID restrictions. Depending on weath- er, the Speedway’s sea- son usually starts around the end of March or be- ginning of April and runs until September or October. Last year, it opened in July – but only to drivers. And with- out fans, the Speedway didn’t have much reve- nue to speak of. “So we operated pretty much at a loss for the en- tire season,” said Boyce. “But we felt like it was important to be open so that our drivers could be here to race and it would keep them going. We wanted to make sure that they were getting to be here to do what they love and we could keep them in the sport.” The Speedway didn’t opt for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, either, as staff weren’t employed at Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! 877-557-1912 FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value! Off er valid February 15 - June 6, 2021 Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. n The Northwest’s Finest Gardening Seed n Flowers, Herbs, & Shrubs n Vegetable Transplants n Fruit Trees 20 Palmer Ave. n Cottage Grove n (541) 942-0510 to schedule your FREE in-home consultation To our valued readers: Help small businesses affected by coronavirus right now, including ours. 844-739-5874 BOGO 40 % OFF Businesses of all sizes have been hit hard in this challenging new age of social distancing and self-isolation, but the blow has been catastrophic for small operations that rely on in-person transactions. There are many ways to help, like purchasing gift certificates or memberships, and yet there are many service-type businesses that don’t have that option. Call for details As we look to a new year, we’re celebrating what connects us as a community, and what we can do to support our local businesses! THAT’S WHY WE CREATED THE SUPPORT LOCAL TOGETHER CAMPAIGN. The Support Local Together campaign will help local businesses who have to choose between promoting their business and paying the electric bill. It will also help support the Cottage Grove Sentinel, who has seen a strong decrease in advertising revenue, but an increase in readership. IT DOES TWO THINGS. 1. Funds advertising dollars for local businesses Your financial support will go directly to fund advertising that our local businesses need to stay top of mind. 2. Supports local journalism By becoming a supporting member, you are helping to replace some of the advertising revenue the Cottage Grove Sentinel has lost due to the pandemic. HERE IS HOW TO SUPPORT: • Call 541-942-3325 x 1200 • Make a donation of your choosing. • Choose a specific local business that you would like the advertising credit to go to, or leave that blank and we will designate it to a business we know needs help. Our community is small but generous and we recognize there are many great organizations, like ours, that could use your help. We can beat any price in Eugene! Give us a call, we’ll chat. OLD MILL FARM STORE -Est 1870- We believe the vast majority of our readers have always shared our view of the value and necessity of a strong local media and are willing to provide support Yes, I would like to become a 2020/21 Support Local Together Sponsor equal to two or three cups of Call 541-942-3325 x 1200 coffee a month to secure its Mail sponsorship form to: Cottage Grove Sentinel Supporter future. PO Box 35, Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Thank you in advance for doing your share to secure a strong local economy in the community we are proud to serve. Gary Manly General Manager gmanly@cgsentinel.com 541-942-3325 x 1207 $10 $20 $50 $100 Name __________________________________________________________ Let us help you select the right wood fl ooring for any room! 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