IndyCar sent out communication today stating that all four races set to take place in the next six weeks are to be cancelled, including this weekend’s opening round at St. Petersburg.
Previously IndyCar had planned to go ahead with this weekend’s race with a no spectators and a greatly reduced media presence, but now it has been called off entirely and presumably will not be rescheduled.
The statement from IndyCar reads, “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 NTT INDYCAR Series events through April.
“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.”
These cancellations mean that the 2020 IndyCar season will now be a shortened 13 races, down from the originally planned 17.
The first race of the season is now scheduled for May 9, which will be the GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.