Fraser MasefieldIn a revised schedule for the 2020 IndyCar season, it has been announced that the Indianapolis 500, Presented by Gainbridge, has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 23 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world at large.
“The Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is my favorite time of year, and like our fans, I am disappointed that we have had to reschedule the Indianapolis 500,” read a statement from Roger Penske, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “However, the health and safety of our event participants and spectators is our top priority, and we believe that postponing the event is the responsible decision with the conditions and restrictions we are facing.
🇺🇸 This is the new schedule for the 2020 @indycar season. I’d like to thank #INDYCAR, the tracks, sponsors, team and partners for their huge effort in piecing new dates together.#TKLastLap pic.twitter.com/jtXmEd9F0V
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) March 26, 2020
“We will continue to focus on ways we can enhance the customer experience in the months ahead, and I’m confident we will welcome fans with a transformed facility and a global spectacle when we run the world’s greatest race.”
The new schedule means that the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series will kick off on the streets of Belle Isle in Detroit with a double-header featuring races both on Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31, before rolling onto Texas Motor Speedway the following Saturday.
All going to plan, the revised 14 race calendar is set to finish on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, either in late September or early October with the exact date still to be confirmed.
Big news today on the @IndyCar schedule, and I’m excited! After hearing my thoughts, are you as excited as I am?! 😎
Part 2/2#INDYCAR pic.twitter.com/9YX0BeMV6F
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) March 26, 2020
“Memorial Day weekend has always provided Indianapolis 500 fans an opportunity to honor the men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our nation’s freedom,” added Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles. “This August, we’ll also have a unique and powerful opportunity to honor the contributions and heroism of the doctors, nurses, first responders and National Guard members serving on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.
“We’re grateful for the patience of our fans as we’ve navigated this situation, and we extend our thanks to NBC for its terrific partnership and diligent work to maximize broadcast coverage with this new schedule.”
Motorsport Technology
Andy Hallbery