IndyCar cancels opening four rounds of 2020 season

The coronavirus impact on the global motorsport schedule has continued with IndyCar seeing its opening four races cancelled, while NASCAR has its next two meetings taken off its schedule.

IndyCar had previously already cancelled the Grand Prix of Long Beach set for April 19, but with the developing situation around coronavirus spreading its impact in the United State the series organisers have moved to call off this weekend’s 2020 opener in St Petersburg, which had been set to take place behind closed doors, plus the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber and the IndyCar Challenge and Circuit of the Americas in Texas.

“After careful consideration, including regular communication with our event promoters, health officials, and the city administrations in our respective race markets regarding COVID-19, we have made the decision to cancel all IndyCar Series events through April,” an IndyCar statement read.

“This begins with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg which was to begin today and run through Sunday, March 15 and continues through the AutoNation IndyCar Challenge at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas which was to take place April 24-26. 

“Although we are disappointed to delay the start to this IndyCar season and will miss our incredible fans who support us each year in St. Petersburg, Birmingham, Long Beach, and Austin, the safety of our fans, participants, staff, partners, and media will always remain our top priority. 

“We will continue to coordinate with public health experts and government officials as we determine the appropriate plans for resuming our schedule.”

At the same time as the IndyCar announcement, NASCAR officials confirmed the postponement of its two upcoming rounds at Atlanta (March 15) and at Homestead (March 22).

“NASCAR has decided to postpone the race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend,” NASCAR officials confirmed.

“We believe this decision is in the best interest of the safety and well-being of our fans, competitors, officials and everyone associated with our sport. We will continue to monitor this dynamic situation as we assess future race events.”