Paul Jeffrey
Premium
IndyCar have confirmed the 104th running of the famous Indy 500 has been postponed until August, the first time the event has run outside of its traditional May slot during peacetime years.
With the Coronavirus pandemic showing little sign of abating in the coming weeks, IndyCar have taken the decision to postpone the blue ribbon American event by at least three months, despite previous confidence the 500 mile race would be able to proceed as planned.
As sporting events across the world continue to be either postponed or axed altogether, it comes as little surprise that America's biggest open wheel race would fall foul of the world health situation, however the the NTT IndyCar series remain committed to hosting 'the greatest spectacle in racing' this year.
In other IndyCar news, it has been confirmed that the preceding GMR Grand Prix will move dates to Saturday, July 4 on the IMS road course - however that date does feel slightly optimistic given the state of current world affairs.
At present, May 30th remains the provisional date for the NTT IndyCar Series opening round - a double header race at the Detroit street circuit.
Original Source: IndyCar
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With the Coronavirus pandemic showing little sign of abating in the coming weeks, IndyCar have taken the decision to postpone the blue ribbon American event by at least three months, despite previous confidence the 500 mile race would be able to proceed as planned.
As sporting events across the world continue to be either postponed or axed altogether, it comes as little surprise that America's biggest open wheel race would fall foul of the world health situation, however the the NTT IndyCar series remain committed to hosting 'the greatest spectacle in racing' this year.
“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,” Roger Penske said. “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. 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.”
Originally scheduled to begin on Sunday May 24th, the new date for the big race has been moved back to an August 23rd time slot, depending on health and safety matters relating to the COVID-19 outbreak.In other IndyCar news, it has been confirmed that the preceding GMR Grand Prix will move dates to Saturday, July 4 on the IMS road course - however that date does feel slightly optimistic given the state of current world affairs.
At present, May 30th remains the provisional date for the NTT IndyCar Series opening round - a double header race at the Detroit street circuit.
Original Source: IndyCar
Got questions or comments about the sport? Post a thread in the Motorsport sub forum here at RaceDepartment to engage with your fellow community members!