NASCAR is set to resume its season without fans on May 17

Live sports is officially on the way back — it’s just a couple of weeks away. NASCAR announced on Thursday that it would resume racing in May with the first on-track events since being shut down in mid-March because of COVID-19. The races will come without fans present at the events.

The season comes back on May 17 starting at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina with the premier Cup Series racing a total of four times in an 11-day span.

So far, the races are only scheduled through the end of may with a couple of Wednesday races slotted in. Further schedule adjustments will be announced down the line, Fox Sports’ Bob Pockcrass reports.

Take a look at the full slate of races coming up at @TooToughToTame and @CLTMotorSpdwy: https://t.co/NgkyOaamlE pic.twitter.com/makWol5CP9

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 30, 2020

Of course, sports fans were thrilled to see the news.

live! sports! to! watch!

NASCAR is back on may 17 (just without fans)! 🏁 https://t.co/ctjsOjwYqe

— kelly cohen (@ByKellyCohen) April 30, 2020

The first US sport to return is @NASCAR 🏎️🏎️🏁 https://t.co/bIK0YnF1Q5

— Rich Greenfield, LightShed (@RichLightShed) April 30, 2020

Live sports are back. pic.twitter.com/HQgopYUefx

— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) April 30, 2020

We'll take it. NASCAR returns May 17th. PGA Tour announced a June restart. Some pieces starting to fall back into place. https://t.co/N837PUKlMX

— Jim Madalinsky (@JimWTAE) April 30, 2020

Even some of the drivers were hype.

We’re back y’all and man am I excited! Due to COVID-19 this is as far as NASCAR can confirm upcoming scheduling. https://t.co/vUONo1vV3P

— David Starr (@starr_racing) April 30, 2020

When you get the call that @NASCAR is coming back! Can’t wait to get back to racing in May! pic.twitter.com/VMVTZqbeQW

— Timmy Hill (@TimmyHillRacer) April 30, 2020

I can’t wait to get back on track with my @JRMotorsports No. 1 team. #NASCAR @PilotFlyingJ @TMCTRANS #AllstatePartsAndService pic.twitter.com/cAMvz9jSt3

— Michael Annett (@MichaelAnnett) April 30, 2020

NASCAR and UFC are the only two official North American sports organizations to officially announce their return in May so far. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out. One thing is for sure — sports fans will be tuned in.