As COVID-19 continues to impact events around the world, schedules have been torn apart, rewritten, and adjusted countless times in an attempt to be ready for when the situation improves. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES presents a revised schedule for their 2020 season, now introducing doubleheaders.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES announced several calendar updates today following the cancellation of the Detroit Grand Prix due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two previously scheduled events will become doubleheaders along with the addition of a third weekend of racing at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
With these additions, there are 15 races on the 2020 INDYCAR calendar, an increase of one event from the 14 races announced March 26.
“We’re committed to bringing fans as much on-track action as possible,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “Our updated schedule features additional racing at fan-favorite venues and adds to the total number of events on our calendar. The COVID-19 situation continues to be dynamic and challenging for everyone, so we have developed contingency plans which will allow us to respond to changing conditions. Our goal is to preserve as much racing competition as possible while prioritizing the health and safety of our participants and spectators.”
INDYCAR’s established events at Iowa Speedway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will become doubleheaders. The Iowa 300 event weekend will add a race Friday, July 17 along with the previously scheduled race Saturday, July 18. The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey event weekend will now feature a race Saturday, Sept. 19 in addition to the previously scheduled race Sunday, Sept. 20.
Race fans also will be treated to a third INDYCAR event at the Racing Capital of the World, with the INDYCAR Harvest GP on the IMS road course taking place Saturday, Oct. 3. This event is in addition to the GMR Grand Prix, already scheduled for Saturday, July 4, and the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, Aug. 23.
“Like our fans, we’re disappointed we won’t be racing in Detroit this year,” Miles said. “However, we’re excited to return to Belle Isle in 2021 and know we’ll put on a great show for everyone when we do. We also appreciate the flexibility and support of our event promoters at Iowa Speedway and Laguna Seca, who have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to host doubleheaders.”
An updated listing of green flag times and an NBC Sports broadcast schedule will be announced in the near future.
Texas Motor Speedway - June 6
Road America - June 21
Richmond Raceway - June 27
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 1 - July 4
Streets of Toronto - July 12
Iowa Speedway Race 1 - July 17
Iowa Speedway Race 2 - July 18
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - August 9
Indianapolis 500 Qualifying - August 15-16
Indianapolis 500 Mile Race - August 23
World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway - August 30
Portland International Raceway - September 13
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 1 - September 19
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Race 2 - September 20
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Race 2 - October 3
Streets of St. Petersburg - TBA
This revised schedule shows IndyCar is very serious about hitting the track as much as possible this year, despite all the setbacks. While June feels very far away from right now, it may yet be too early to race, forcing another go at rescheduling whatever remains possible. The Toronto race in early July is usually a ton of fun on the streets. Right now my hometown -- like everyone else's -- is dealing with bigger issues than, say, regular annual griping from commuters when track fences are going up, but fingers crossed we'll get to see some racing action this summer!
Source:
IndyCar Official Statement
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