IMS to Bring Fans Back for Harvest GP

(photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

After hosting races in front of empty stands this year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway says fans will return for the inaugural INDYCAR Harvest GP next month. The Speedway says it has received approval from the Marion County Public Health Department to allow a limited number of fans under strict health and safety rules.

Activities for the INDYCAR Harvest GP will take place October 1-4. IMS says there will be two spectator zones in turns 1 and 4 of the famed oval that will hold up to 5,000 fans each.

Fans will be allowed to attend the race as long as they follow several health and safety protocols, including wearing face coverings throughout the Speedway at all times, receiving temperature screenings before entering, practicing social distancing in the grandstands, and using pre-assigned gates and remaining in their designated zones.

Each attendee will receive a mask and bottle of hand sanitizer when they enter the track.

“We can’t wait to see fans come through our gates for the first time in 2020,” IMS President Doug Boles said in a news release. “They’ll be greeted by a vastly improved facility, featuring significant upgrades to the spectator experience. We’re also extremely grateful to have a presenting sponsor with the expertise and resources of GMR as we look to implement our detailed and comprehensive health and safety plan.”

As part of the race weekend, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will hold a doubleheader of races on the Friday and Saturday. Fans will also get to see the Intercontinental GT Challenge and GT World Challenge America sports car series, and more.

Plans for the Harvest GP were first announced in April. The event is a nod to the Harvest Classic race in 1916, which was the only race held outside of the month of May at IMS until 1993.

The event next month will also be the first time fans will get to see the series of facility improvements resulting from a multi-million-dollar investment. The enhancements include more than 30 new LED video boards, updated concession stands and restrooms and 5G wireless connectivity throughout the track.