Further changes have been implemented in the 2020 IndyCar schedule that includes the cancellation of the Detroit Grand Prix. In addition, two events have been turned into double-headers and an additional race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course has been scheduled for October.
The NTT IndyCar Series announced the cancellation of the Detroit Grand Prix, which had become the season-opener after several postponements and delays to the schedule.
A statement from IndyCar read:
“As a result of the current public health restrictions and mandates, Grand Prix officials determined it was not possible to host the event at the end of May in order to help protect the health, safety and well-being of the spectators, partners, volunteers, employees and event participants at the Detroit Grand Prix.”
Chairman of the Detroit GP, Bud Denker said:
“The Grand Prix is a very important event for Belle Isle Park, the City of Detroit, the City of Windsor and all of southeast Michigan. It is certainly disappointing that it won’t take place this year, but the health and safety of everyone at the Grand Prix is always our top priority.
“We looked at every possible scenario to reschedule the race, but all of them would have been too disruptive to the hundreds of fall events that will take place on Belle Isle. Some events, like weddings, family reunions and festivals, have been scheduled a year in advance and it would not be right to alter anyone’s plans.
“We look forward to the Grand Prix returning in 2021 as we continue our mission of revitalizing Belle Isle Park and providing significant support to the Belle Isle Conservancy, while helping to inject millions of dollars in economic benefit to our cities and our region.”
Grandstand ticketholders will be contacted in due course regarding their purchases. Next year’s event is scheduled from June 4 to 6.
Other changes made to the calendar include a double-header at both Iowa Speedway and WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca, as well as the introduction of an additional race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in October.
Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles discussed the changes made to the calendar:
“We’re committed to bringing fans as much on-track action as possible. Our updated schedule features additional racing at fan-favorite venues and adds to the total number of events on our calendar.
“The COVID-19 situation continues to be dynamic and challenging for everyone, so we have developed contingency plans which will allow us to respond to changing conditions. Our goal is to preserve as much racing competition as possible while prioritizing the health and safety of our participants and spectators…
“We’re excited to return to Belle Isle in 2021 and know we’ll put on a great show for everyone when we do. We also appreciate the flexibility and support of our event promoters at Iowa Speedway and Laguna Seca , who have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to host double-headers.”
Photo Credit: NTT IndyCar Series
Revised 2020 calendar
| Rnd. | Circuit | Date |
| 1 | Texas Motor Speedway | June 6 |
| 2 | Road America | June 21 |
| 3 | Richmond Raceway | June 28 |
| 4 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course | July 4 |
| 5 | Exhibition Place (Toronto) | July 12 |
| 6 | Iowa Speedway | July 17 |
| 7 | Iowa Speedway | July 18 |
| 8 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | August 9 |
| 9 | Indianapolis 500 | August 23 |
| 10 | World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway | August 30 |
| 11 | Portland International Raceway | September 13 |
| 12 | WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca | September 19 |
| 13 | WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca | September 20 |
| 14 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course | October 3 |
| TBA | Streets of St. Petersburg | TBA |