The NTT INDYCAR SERIES announced several calendar updates 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 (IMS). 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 future. For more, visit here and indycar.com.