Racing Events Canceled Due to Coronavirus
Several national racing series announced cancellations of events due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus in the United States.
NASCAR, after first announcing the race set to be held in Atlanta over the weekend and the upcoming event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, would be run without fans, postponed the events until future notice.
“NASCAR has decided to postpone the race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend. 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,” the sanctioning body said in a statement.
The NTT IndyCar Series, after also initially planning to run its season-opening event without spectators, cancelled all events through April, including the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which was set to begin over the weekend. The cancellations also include races at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, the Long Beach Grand Prix in California and at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama.
The NHRA, hosting the Gatornationals this week in Gainesville, Florida, opted to finish the Thursday schedule without spectators and postponing competition for top fuel, funny car, pro stock, pro stock motorcycle, pro mod, factory stock showdown, top alcohol dragster and top alcohol funny car to a later date.
IMSA opted to postpone its annual 12 Hours of Sebring, rescheduling the race for November 2020.
Other cancellations included the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and all other Formula One events through the end of May, FIA WEC’s Sebring 1000, USAC Sprint Car events, Formula E’s Rome Grand Prix and additional national and regional events.
