The IndyCar drivers up and down the grid appreciate the need for a participant-only race at St. Petersburg as Long Beach is likely off as well.
Becoming one of several sports leagues and series’ to do so, IndyCar announced on Thursday that, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the season-opener at St. Petersburg, Florida will be participant-only. The race will also feature a modified schedule.
In a statement which discussed the decision, said: “INDYCAR and Green Savoree Racing Promotions, in conjunction with the city of St. Petersburg, announced Thursday that all activities surrounding Sunday’s season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be closed to spectators and limited to essential personnel only.
“This protocol is being put in place to protect the health and welfare of the fans, drivers, teams, workers and officials, as we mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The race weekend will operate from Friday through Sunday, with INDYCAR on-track sessions limited to Saturday and Sunday.
“The activities also include Road To Indy, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup, and SRO Motorsports Group America on a condensed schedule. A press release with full details, including a revised schedule, will be issued with additional details later today.”
The changed IndyCar schedule will see Friday missing from the weekend’s festivities, and a changed Saturday to accommodate this. Practice 1 will take place from 9:45 until 10:30 local time, Practice 2 will start at 1:30 and end an hour later.
Then Qualifying will end the day of running at St. Pete, beginning at 4:45. Sunday, meanwhile, remains untouched. The changes have quite a large impact and as such, they have been discussed by most drivers on the grid, especially with no fans allowed.
Of those who have spoken out, most have said that IndyCar is making the right call, even though they do feel sorry for fans who looked to attend the race. Here’s what has been said so far by selected drivers, appreciating the call:
Will Power: “Bummed that fans won’t be able to be at the track this weekend, but I’m happy that IndyCar is trying to keep everyone safe.”
Graham Rahal: “Hey everybody we’re down here in St. Pete! Obviously news just came out that we will be racing at St. Pete this weekend. Unfortunately, it will be closed to the fans. It is also closed to any [and all] of our partners – you can’t get in unless you have a hard-card, so certainly not ideal. Our fans are what make our world go around.
“Certainly, the atmosphere, the energy, the excitement that the fans provide , is why we do what we do, each and every weekend. We are a form of entertainment, if it weren’t for you guys, the entertainment doesn’t exist. The racing doesn’t exist. At the same time, I think it is clearly for the best.
“You know, right now we all need to be cautious, and be aware of what we’re doing. So, considering that, I think it’s best that fans aren’t here this weekend. I know I’m extremely disappointed in that .The other drivers and teams will be as well. We all thrive off of the fan involvement, and obviously we’re not going to have that.
“At the same time, I think it is the right decision for us to race. Because, where we differ from other motorsports that are happening on this weekend is that this is a temporary street course. There has been a lot of effort out in to build this track, and for the city, I’m sure the mayor cries.
“This has been a hard time for him, but there’s too much that’s gone into this to not see it through, in my opinion. We can’t postpone these events. The track’s been built. If we postpone, it’s canceled, and so I think that is the challenge that we kind of face, inherently in our sport.
“We like to bring the party to the people, unfortunately sometimes that is a downside. I want to thank you all for your support, thank you all for your understanding . I hope that we still put on a tremendous show, it’s gonna be a condensed weekend. [We’re] gonna put on a great show for you guys, and hopefully get this [number] 15 car in victory lane. ”
Ryan Hunter-Reay: “This is not ideal, however as a series we’re doing the absolute best we can to deliver our product while looking after the well being of our fans.”
Takuma Sato: “The opening IndyCar race was shortened by two days [and the spectators are banned]. To the fans who were going to support us, I’m really sorry for those who have already entered the area, but we will do our best to race. Let’s take all possible measures [to stop the virus].”
Jack Harvey: “Feel terrible for the fans! Naturally excited to race this weekend. Hate the whole situation for everyone involved, but of course safety for everyone comes first.”
While the decision around St. Pete IndyCar race was made, the Long Beach event is likely postponed or cancelled as per Grand Prix Association latest note. Even though the championship is yet to make it official but the statement stated:
“While we recognize that this is a serious inconvenience for our loyal attendees, sponsors and other clients, nevertheless, this action is consistent with our primary objective of assuring the public’s safety and well-being at our event.
“We are in conversation with the City of Long Beach, various race sanctioning bodies and the Long Beach Convention Center to discuss the viability of rescheduling this event at a later time in the year.
“If that is not possible, then we look forward to presenting the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach IndyCar race on April 16-18, 2021. Further details about possible refunds or credits will be forthcoming.”
The spread of COVID-19 has affected other series’ similarly, with F1 calling off their Australia and China rounds, NASCAR running participant-only races in their opening two rounds, Formula E delaying countless E-prix, and MotoGP doing the same.