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# IndyCar opener to go ahead without spectactors
- URL: https://www.the-race.com/indycar/indycar-opener-to-go-ahead-without-spectactors/
- Published: 2020-03-12T19:37:31.000Z
- Updated: 2023-09-16T19:29:09.000Z
- Description: This weekend’s IndyCar season opener at St Petersburg will go ahead without fans at the venue amid the ongoing threat of COVID-19
- Author: Glenn Freeman
- Tags: IndyCar, #image-bottom-right

This weekend’s IndyCar season opener at St Petersburg will go ahead without fans at the venue amid the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

The local mayor Rick Kriseman said earlier on Thursday that his office was in discussions with IndyCar and the event promoter over whether the Florida-based race would run, having [already declared it would be “closed to spectators”](https://www.the-race.com/indycar/indycar-st-petersburg-season-opener-in-doubt/).

He called a press conference for 7pm UK time to address the coronavirus threat, and confirmed the event would continue albeit with sanctions on attendance.

Kriseman added: “All public events associated with the grand prix are cancelled as well.”

[![](https://storage.googleapis.com/the-race-com.appspot.com/1/2020/03/Oz-off-300x200.jpg)](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-australian-gp-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/)

Australian GP to be postponed due to coronavirus

[Read more](https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-australian-gp-postponed-due-to-coronavirus/)

He urged fans to watch the event on TV.

IndyCar and the event promoter Green Savoree Racing Promotions issued a joint statement after the press conference which confirmed that no on-track action would take place on Friday, and that only “essential personnel” would be able to attend the event.

The statement added: “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.”

IndyCar and its support categories will continue on Saturday and Sunday as planned, as it stands.

A host of sporting events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 panic, and the Australian Grand Prix is expected to be one of those. It also is due to take place this weekend.

NASCAR has confirmed its next two events – at Atlanta and Homestead – will be held behind closed doors. The Sebring 12 Hours has also been cancelled, due to take place on March 21.