'This is stupid': Driver frustrated by Sonoma Raceway mask regulations

SONOMA, Calif. (KGO) -- We found a hint of normalcy at Sonoma Raceway, this weekend.

Normal, anyway, based on that locale and our uniquely American form of sport known as drag racing.

"It's an addiction. Once you done it it's kind of like drugs," explained Kevin Cantrell, a driver from the Las Vegas area.

VIDEO: Masks are mandatory in California, but whose job is it to enforce wearing them?

As California continues to tighten its health guidelines amid COVID-19, business owners say enforcing that customers wear a mask can be "awkward," and have mixed ideas about if they should have to be the ones doing it.

A National Hot Rod Association divisional race is not the kind of event that draws a large crowd. These competitors are amateurs.

Typically, it might draw 600 spectators. This week, the track allowed only racers and crews, and they needed to follow the rules.

"How do you social distance at a drag race?" we asked Sonoma Raceway President Steve Page.

"You stay six feet apart and everyone wears a mask. It is a zero-tolerance policy."

CORONAVIRUS IMPACT: Bay Area traffic increasing in some areas, but still light on some key commute routes

The track takes this so seriously that it put Yermani Franco inside a pick-up truck with a microphone and speaker.

"Just a reminder everyone should be wearing a mask at this time," Yermani says, making one circuit every thirty minutes.

"Have you had to kick anyone out?" we asked.

"Not yet."'

But the racers and their crews were not exactly happy about it, nor afraid to express those sentiments.

"I take charge of my own health," said Chris Ling from Washington's tri-city area. "I exercise. I eat good. I don't think I should have to take care of everyone else."

RELATED: Sonoma Co. businesses forced to close, again, under Newsom's new order

Her friend, driver Larry McLanhan, wore a mask with the words, "This is stupid."

"That is exactly how I feel," Larry said. "I'm sucking in all the carbon dioxide I am supposed to be breathing out."

"I don't think it makes a difference. I think it's blown out of proportion," offered Kevin Cantrell.

"But, you are in California, now," we reminded him.

"I know," he deadpanned.

VIDEO: What is 'maskne?' SF doctor explains how to prevent, treat acne breakouts under your face mask

Face mask acne has become a real thing during the coronavirus pandemic. A San Francisco doctor explains how to prevent and treat it.

And, unlike many other places, Sonoma offers racing this weekend, so sometimes, you just "do what you gotta do."

Jack Sadler from Henderson, Nevada may have put it best.

"We sit at home not racing so I would have worn a space helmet if it meant I could race," he said.

Now, if we can come up with a vaccine as fast as some of these cars get down the track, everyone will be a lot happier.

App users, for a better experience: Click here to view the story in a new window

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• COVID-19 risk calculator: Quiz yourself on the safest, most dangerous things you can do as CAreopens
• COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
• When will the San Francisco Bay Area reopen? Track progress on 6 key metrics to reopening here
• Reopening California: What's opening and when in the Bay Area
• Everything we know about CA businesses opening and what comes next
• Life after COVID-19: Here's what restaurants, gyms will look like
• Here's everything allowed to open in CA (and what we're still waiting on)
• INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
• What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
• COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
• Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
• What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
• WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Latino community
• WATCH: 'Your Mental Health: A Bay AreaConversation' virtual town hall addressing COVID-19 impact on mental health
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions