Ace-Garageguy Posted August 4, 2020 Posted August 4, 2020 The Indianapolis Motor Speedway today issued the following statement: “It is with great regret that we announce the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on August 23 without fans. This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership. As dedicated as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent attendance at our large outdoor facility, even with meaningful and careful precautions implemented by the city and state, the COVID-19 trends in Marion County and Indiana have worsened. Since our June 26 announcement, the number of cases in Marion County has tripled while the positivity rate has doubled. We said from the beginning of the pandemic we would put the health and safety of our community first, and while hosting spectators at a limited capacity with our robust plan in place was appropriate in late June, it is not the right path forward based on the current environment. We encourage Hoosiers to continue making smart decisions and following the advice of our public health officials so we can help get Indiana back on track. Penske Corporation made a long-term investment to be the steward of this legendary facility. While we were very excited to showcase the investments and enhancements we have made in the guest experience, we know we have reached the right decision. As much as Roger Penske and everyone associated with the 500 wanted to race with fans this year, we ultimately reached this conclusion in partnership with the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis. Our commitment to the Speedway is unwavering and we will continue to invest in the Racing Capital of the World. We encourage everyone to watch this year’s race on NBC and we look forward to welcoming our loyal fans back to The Greatest Spectacle in Racing on May 30th of 2021.”
Jantrix Posted August 4, 2020 Posted August 4, 2020 This is a sad but ultimately, good thing. As increased rates following Memorial Day and July 4 have indicated, there is a sizable segment of the U.S. population that doesn't understand what's at stake here.
Miatatom Posted August 4, 2020 Posted August 4, 2020 It's the smart thing to do. Can't wait to see the race!
mikemodeler Posted August 5, 2020 Posted August 5, 2020 It was announced earlier this afternoon that the automotive industry mega event- SEMA and AAPEX- traditionally held in Las Vegas around Halloween every Fall, has been cancelled. Reality set in when they figured the majority of companies that normally attend and display had decided not to go and the likelihood of a government limit on the number of attendees made the events unlikely. As someone who has gone for years, it's a relief to know I can plan on being home this year and my feet and back are happy as I usually end up sore after a week of standing at the shows.
Rodent Posted August 6, 2020 Posted August 6, 2020 48 minutes ago, mikemodeler said: It was announced earlier this afternoon that the automotive industry mega event- SEMA and AAPEX- traditionally held in Las Vegas around Halloween every Fall, has been cancelled. Reality set in when they figured the majority of companies that normally attend and display had decided not to go and the likelihood of a government limit on the number of attendees made the events unlikely. As someone who has gone for years, it's a relief to know I can plan on being home this year and my feet and back are happy as I usually end up sore after a week of standing at the shows. I don't work for the "right" department (sales or marketing) to go, but my company spends a huge amount to have a booth there, along with "The Mother Ship". It is very lucrative for us because of all the sales we make there. Lots of sadness today because of this announcement, but it wasn't unexpected.
mikemodeler Posted August 6, 2020 Posted August 6, 2020 42 minutes ago, Rodent said: I don't work for the "right" department (sales or marketing) to go, but my company spends a huge amount to have a booth there, along with "The Mother Ship". It is very lucrative for us because of all the sales we make there. Lots of sadness today because of this announcement, but it wasn't unexpected. I have mixed emotions about it myself as it's a great opportunity for me to network with old friends and make new ones. It's also a time for me to see old customers and hopefully meet new ones. Yes, our company will save hundreds of thousands of dollars but if they had a choice, they would rather spend the money and grow the business if they could. New times mean new way of doing business and we are adapting and succeeding, but definitely miss the personal contact that comes from the old way.
Deuces ll Posted August 6, 2020 Posted August 6, 2020 On 8/4/2020 at 1:46 PM, Miatatom said: It's the smart thing to do. Can't wait to see the race! Bingo!... ? I'll be ready with a large hot pizza and a 6-pack of my favorite sudz.... ?
iamsuperdan Posted August 7, 2020 Posted August 7, 2020 FOr me, the lack of fans in the stands hasn't diminished my enjoyment of Formula 1, BTCC, or NHL hockey. Indy will be no different. The racing will still be the same calibre it has always been.
Ace-Garageguy Posted August 8, 2020 Author Posted August 8, 2020 Interesting that Sturgis is going ahead, with an estimated attendance of upwards of 250,000. https://sturgis.com/ Naturally the media are painting it as a crime against humanity.
Tom Geiger Posted August 8, 2020 Posted August 8, 2020 I don’t get some states.. I see in the Indy announcement that cases are up in Indiana, but I read there was a model car show there last weekend. And Sturgis can be a problem since the attendees come from around the entire country. An opportunity to spread the virus far and wide.
Ace-Garageguy Posted August 8, 2020 Author Posted August 8, 2020 1 hour ago, Tom Geiger said: I don’t get some states.. I see in the Indy announcement that cases are up in Indiana, but I read there was a model car show there last weekend. And Sturgis can be a problem since the attendees come from around the entire country. An opportunity to spread the virus far and wide. I suggest you shelter in place until 2050, and when you DO come out, don't get within 1/2 mile of anybody on a motorcycle.
STYRENE-SURFER Posted August 9, 2020 Posted August 9, 2020 Indy 500 is not what it used to be. spec racers looking like Playmobil toys. The whole spirit of the race has been lost. Don't ever watch it anymore..... well not until the last few laps?
STYRENE-SURFER Posted August 9, 2020 Posted August 9, 2020 19 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said: Naturally the media are painting it as a crime against humanity. Haven't they always?
Dave Ambrose Posted August 9, 2020 Posted August 9, 2020 Please be mindful of our request not to discuss COVID-19. And I'm sure everyone knows about our injunction against politics.
Richard Bartrop Posted August 9, 2020 Posted August 9, 2020 I'm just going to say that it's a sorry state of affairs when medicine is considered political.
Greg Myers Posted August 14, 2020 Posted August 14, 2020 I wonder what will be at, the Indy500? Singing of the National Anthem ' Back Home Again In Indiana, Flyover ? All possible with the 6' mandate
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