Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Sports
Related: About this forumPenske reverses course, closes Indianapolis 500 to fans
Source: Associated Press
Penske reverses course, closes Indianapolis 500 to fans
By JENNA FRYER
August 4, 2020
Roger Penske has reversed course and decided not to allow fans at the Indianapolis 500 later this month. The 104th running of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing will be the first without spectators, who showed up at Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year, even during the Great Depression.
It was a flip for Penske, who purchased the iconic speedway in January and has spent every day since upgrading his new showplace to prepare for his favorite race. The pandemic forced the race to change dates for the first time, from Memorial Day weekend to Aug. 23.
Penske had initially said he wouldnt run the 500 without fans. But as the pandemic continued to spread across the nation, the decision was made to limit capacity to 50%. The speedway then lowered that number to 25% and presented an 88-page manual on how to safely host spectators.
Cases have continued to rise steadily in Indiana and specifically in Marion County, where the speedway is located and Penske told The Associated Press on Tuesday the reversal on the spectator policy was the toughest business decision Ive ever made in my life.
-snip-
By JENNA FRYER
August 4, 2020
Roger Penske has reversed course and decided not to allow fans at the Indianapolis 500 later this month. The 104th running of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing will be the first without spectators, who showed up at Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year, even during the Great Depression.
It was a flip for Penske, who purchased the iconic speedway in January and has spent every day since upgrading his new showplace to prepare for his favorite race. The pandemic forced the race to change dates for the first time, from Memorial Day weekend to Aug. 23.
Penske had initially said he wouldnt run the 500 without fans. But as the pandemic continued to spread across the nation, the decision was made to limit capacity to 50%. The speedway then lowered that number to 25% and presented an 88-page manual on how to safely host spectators.
Cases have continued to rise steadily in Indiana and specifically in Marion County, where the speedway is located and Penske told The Associated Press on Tuesday the reversal on the spectator policy was the toughest business decision Ive ever made in my life.
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/29ac94683932179e7fdcd56504467f68
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
4 replies, 1193 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (2)
ReplyReply to this post
4 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Penske reverses course, closes Indianapolis 500 to fans (Original Post)
Eugene
Aug 2020
OP
underpants
(182,603 posts)1. That could kill a lot of the excitement
BootinUp
(47,078 posts)2. Smart. Nt
gibraltar72
(7,498 posts)3. Keee rist Penske and Indy car
must be listening to scientists. I applaud him. That has to be a big decision. At his age I'm sure he wanted to see some fans there.
Captain Zero
(6,783 posts)4. One radio DJ in Indy has said
"No fans allowed, but you just know on race day there is going to be 4-5 drunk guys who make it a challenge to get inside and see the race."