Update from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
August 04, 2020|By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway today issued the following statement:
” Penske Corporation made a long-lasting financial investment to be the steward of this legendary facility. While we were very delighted to showcase the improvements and financial investments we have actually made in the guest experience, we know we have actually reached the ideal choice. As much as Roger Penske and everybody connected with the 500 desired to race with fans this year, we ultimately reached this conclusion in collaboration with the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis.
” We encourage Hoosiers to continue making wise decisions and following the suggestions of our public health authorities so we can assist get Indiana back on track.
” As committed as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent participation at our big outside facility, even with cautious and meaningful safety measures executed by the city and state, the COVID-19 patterns in Marion County and Indiana have actually aggravated. Considering that our June 26 statement, the number of cases in Marion County has actually tripled while the positivity rate has actually doubled. We said from the beginning of the pandemic we would put the health and wellness of our community initially, and while hosting viewers at a minimal capability with our robust strategy in location was proper in late June, it is not the ideal path forward based upon the current environment.
” It is with fantastic regret that we announce the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will occur on Aug. 23 without fans. This hard choice was made following cautious consideration and substantial consultation with state and city leadership.
” Our dedication to the Speedway is steady, and we will continue to buy the Racing Capital of the World. We encourage everybody to view this years race on NBC, and we eagerly anticipate inviting our faithful fans back to The Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 30th of 2021.”
More Information from IMS
While we were extremely excited to showcase the investments and enhancements we have made in the visitor experience, we know we have reached the ideal choice. As much as Roger Penske and everyone associated with the 500 desired to race with fans this year, we ultimately reached this conclusion in partnership with the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis.
All on-track activity during the month of August, including practice and credentials, will be closed to the general public.
Individuals who still have tickets to this years Indy 500 will be credited for the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and will maintain their seniority and their originally appointed seats.
The first Indy 500 practice will occur on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a full schedule offered on IMS.com.
All of the action from IMS can be seen by means of NBC Sports Gold, NBCSN or NBC. Check Out IMS.com or INDYCAR.com for an extensive streaming and broadcast schedule.
The 104th Running of the Indy 500 will happen Sunday, Aug. 23, with national coverage start on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.
Local Central Indiana protection of the race will be offered on NBC affiliate WTHR.
Broadcast coverage of credentials on Saturday, Aug. 15 begins on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.
Sunday, Aug. 16 broadcast coverage of Pole Day starts on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.
” As devoted as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent presence at our big outside facility, even with mindful and meaningful safety measures implemented by the city and state, the COVID-19 patterns in Marion County and Indiana have actually aggravated. We stated from the start of the pandemic we would put the health and security of our neighborhood initially, and while hosting spectators at a minimal capability with our robust strategy in place was appropriate in late June, it is not the ideal course forward based on the present environment.
