NASCAR To Endorse, But Not Require Driver Vaccinations 90 percent of the IndyCar paddock has received a COVID-19 vaccination. Chris GraythenGetty Images NASCAR will soon begin the process of reopening the garage area to VIPs, sponsors and deadline media but only if they are fully vaccinated from COVID-19. The first instance of the new policy will come next weekend at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. League president Steve Phelps says drivers and crew members will be encouraged to get vaccinated but not required as that would be a slippery slope. Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace are the only drivers to have publicized receiving a vaccine.