Gentlemen Start Your Engines…Not

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Courtesy Pixabay

As part of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Indianapolis 500 race is run on the Sunday of the holiday…usually. There is nothing usual about 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, this year’s race will be run on Sunday, August 23rd. According to IMS President Doug Boles,

I’m reaching out this afternoon to inform you the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race has been rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our event participants and spectators is our top priority, and we believe given the current situation, postponing the event is the responsible decision.

We’re confident we can deliver a world-class experience in August and are already working to do so. Making this announcement now gives everyone ample time to adjust and prepare for the new date. The new schedule will include many of the on-track activities that make the lead-up to the “500” so special. Fast Friday, Qualifying, Carb Day’s Pit Stop Competition and the Freedom 100 Indy Lights race will all take place, beginning with the first day of NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

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. In August, I believe 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 frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.

The tickets you purchased for the originally scheduled race date are automatically valid for the newly scheduled race date. Please retain them for use in August. We have an updated IMS schedule, including a new date for the GMR Grand Prix, Frequently Asked Questionsticket information and more available for you on this site.

In the meantime, we’re continuing to double-down on the facility investments that are designed to enhance your customer experience when you attend this year’s race. I’m confident you will see a positive difference when we open our doors.

Our entire team appreciates your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We are grateful to have the most loyal fans in sports. While we all circle these new dates on our calendars, we also wish good health and safety to you and your family.

Sincerely,

J. Douglas Boles

Get ready for racing from the Brickyard this August. We hope that this postponement will allow for actual human beings to be in the stands, instead of cardboard cut-outs.

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