Shortly after getting confirmation that the IndyCar event at Road America will be moving from June to July, the track announced that fans will be allowed to attend the REV Group Grand Prix double-header.
The decision was made possible by the state of Wisconsin recently overturning a ban on large events and the fact that the facility in Elkhart Lake has many wide-open spectating areas in place of traditional grandstands.
“Our vast 640-acre outdoor facility is widely regarded as ‘the safest place to watch a race’ because fans are not dedicated to a seat and can roam freely around the property to find their favorite viewing location,” said Mike Kertscher, Road America’s President and General Manager.
“We’ve also added more hand sanitizing stations while partnering with local brands such as Guy & O’Neill to supply us with disinfecting wipes for use in high-touch common areas, and CTECH Manufacturing to install polycarbonate sneeze guards at various locations. We also offer Print at Home ticketing, so fans can enjoy a contactless experience at the gates.
“Above all else, we appreciate everyone’s support and flexibility as we made schedule adjustments caused by COVID-19. We also extend our thanks to INDYCAR for embracing this new doubleheader schedule to give our fans and our frontline heroes a memorable experience that they have patiently been waiting for.”
The dual races at Road America are currently scheduled to be the third and fourth rounds of the 2020 season, taking place on July 11-12.
The first event of the season will be at Texas Motor Speedway on June 6 and will be held without fans in attendance. The close-quarters nature of spectator seating at an oval weighed largely in the decision, and future road course events will have a better chance of hosting cheering crowds due to their spread out seating areas.
IndyCar is hoping that for races that are forced to be held behind closed doors, they can emulate what NASCAR has done this week and hold successful events with high-quality racing despite the unprecedented situation.
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