The prospect of the delayed 2020 IndyCar Series season getting underway as planned has been boosted after Texas’ Governor confirmed professional sporting events can resume later this month.
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, IndyCar – as with many other sporting leagues – was forced to make drastic changes to its 2020 schedule.
With a handful of races having to be cancelled or moved into a different slot on the schedule, IndyCar is currently set to kick off its reshuffled season with the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6.
Changes in the IndyCar calendar have meant five events, including Texas’ second race at the Circuit Of The Americas, have been cancelled.
Despite respective sports now being allowed to get underway, spectators will not be allowed to attend the events as part of social distancing measures.
“Professional basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball and tennis leagues may apply to the Department of State Health Services for approval to hold professional sporting events in Texas,” Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday.
“These events may take place on or after May 31, 2020. The professional sporting events may not have spectators physically present on the premises.”
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has also hinted sport could return to his state within a similar timeframe to Texas, boosting hopes IndyCar could run its planned double-header at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 19 and 20. Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place at COTA on October 25, with MotoGP’s re-arranged Grand Prix of the Americas currently planned for November 15.
| Race # | Location | Track Type | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Texas Motor Speedway | Oval | 6 June |
| 2 | | IMS Road Course | Road Course | 4 July |
| 3 | | Road America | Road Course | 10 July |
| 4 | | Road America | Road Course | 11 July |
| 5 | | Iowa Speedway | Oval | 17 July |
| 6 | | Iowa Speedway | Oval | 18 July |
| 7 | | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Road Course | 9 August |
| 8 | | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Oval | 23 August |
| 9 | | WWT Raceway at Gateway | Oval | 30 August |
| 10 | | Portland International Raceway | Road Course | 13 September |
| 11 | | WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | Road Course | 19 September |
| 12 | | WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | Road Course | 20 September |
| 13 | | IMS Road Course | Road Course | 3 October |
| 14 | | St. Petersburg | Street | 25 October |
| - |  | Toronto | Street | Postponed |
| - | | Richmond Raceway | Oval | Cancelled |
| - | | Barber Motorsports Park | Road Course | Cancelled |
| - | | Long Beach | Street | Cancelled |
| - | | Circuit of the Americas | Road Course | Cancelled |
| - | | Detroit | Street | Cancelled |
| - | | Detroit | Street | Cancelled |