The NHRA is hitting the pause button for 30 days on its 2020 season in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Included in this suspension are all events at NHRA-owned facilities and sanctioned events including the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

"We intend at this time to resume the original schedule on April 17-19 in Houston, and continue thereafter, subject to developments in the interim," NHRA said in a statement released to the media. "The spring Las Vegas event is postponed with new dates to be determined. Please go to LVMS.com for information if you have purchased tickets for the postponed event.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, to listen to experts, and to be transparent as to when we believe we will be able to resume racing."

The decision was a difficult one for the NHRA.

"We made this decision with heavy hearts as we see the effects this pandemic is having on the world, the country and our NHRA family. We believe this is the right decision since social distancing and reducing gatherings of people has been recommended as one of the most effective ways to protect everyone in the long run.

"We are all in this complicated, uncertain and rapidly changing situation together, and we encourage everyone to look out for each other. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. We encourage you to consult www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html for information and updates.

"We look forward to the time when we all come together again in person to celebrate the most extreme sport on the planet."

And all of this time, you thought ground-pounding nitro cars was just a marketing term. A group from USC makes the term literal. #DragRacing #nhra - https://t.co/djWcRxo4Ko pic.twitter.com/Yx2KycTzRW

— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) March 10, 2020