IndyCar has fallen victim to the latest surge in Covid-19 cases in the United States with next week’s Mid-Ohio doubleheader postponed until later in the year.
“IndyCar and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course have agreed to postpone The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio scheduled for Aug. 7-9 until a date to be determined in September or October,” read a statement issued by the Mid-Ohio Sportscar circuit.
“This decision was made through communication with local health officials given the current environment.
“Our team continues to work with all of our partners and our local government to identify a date later this year when we can host The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
“More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our fans as we navigate this postponement.”
Over 1500 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the state of Ohio yesterday, bringing the state total to over 90,000, with almost 3,500 deaths.
A haphazard government response to the virus has meant America has quickly become the world leader in confirmed cases and total fatalities.
The decision to postpone the round leaves IndyCar with a total of 12 confirmed rounds on the calendar with series organisers adamant they can run a truncated 2020 calendar with 14 races.
Should Mid-Ohio be axed indefinitely it leaves IndyCar promoters with a logistical headache to reschedule a further two rounds after races in both Portland and Toronto were cancelled earlier in the week.
The postponement of the Mid-Ohio rounds means that the Indianapolis 500 on 23 August is the next race on IndyCar’s interrupted 2020 calendar.
Kiwi IndyCar champion Scott Dixon currently heads the points standings having claimed three wins in the opening six races.