NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Racing on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series might still be a couple of months away, but for Don Schumacher Racing, it’s time to get back to work. The Brownsburg, Ind., NHRA racing giant welcomed employees back to the team headquarters May 4 as part of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” program.

While the race teams and front-office staffs were all eager to get back to work, DSR implemented a number of safety protocols to be able to reopen safely, following all federal, state, and local mandates.

“The health and safety of our employees remain the No. 1 priority, and we’re taking every measure possible to ensure a safe working environment,” said Megan Schumacher, VP of Don Schumacher Racing. “We’re happy to be able to return to work in a safe environment.”

Chief among the restrictions is tight control on the building itself. Only DSR employees are permitted to enter the building, and only through one designated door and only between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m., when a nurse is present to administer a temperature screening. Employees must maintain social distancing of six feet while awaiting entry. Any employee with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher or employees who don’t complete the screening cannot enter the building. Any employee with a high temperature is referred to a doctor for a follow-up and must be cleared by a doctor or complete the Center for Disease Control (CDC) clearance requirements before they are permitted to return to work.

Once inside, everyone must wear a face mask at all times. Masks are provided daily by DSR and must be disposed of at the end of each workday (employees are not permitted to bring their own masks from home). DSR employees also must maintain social distancing in all areas of the building; workstations both inside and outside of the trailers have been spread apart.

Hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout the building, including inside trailers and at workstations, and employees are encouraged to practice increased handwashing and sanitizing. Restrooms are open for one employee at a time. DSR also is increasing sanitization measures for all frequently contacted surfaces.

The social-distancing guidelines extend from the shop to the front office. All conference rooms are closed, and staff is conducting meetings by remaining in their own offices and calling into the DSR conference call line.