IndyCar pushes back Indianapolis 500 to late August

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IndyCar officials have unsurprisingly announced that the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be the first time that motorsport's blue-riband event will be run outside of the month of May.

The GMR Indianapolis Grand Prix which was set to take place on Indy's road course on May 9 is now set for a July 4 date at the Brickyard, the event kicking off on the Saturday a historic double-header at the Speedway, with NASCAR racing on the Sunday.

Goodwood delays Festival of Speed to late summer

"The Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is my favorite time of year, and like our fans, I am disappointed that we have had to reschedule the Indianapolis 500," commented new Speedway owner Roger Penske

"However, the health and safety of our event participants and spectators is our top priority, and we believe that postponing the event is the responsible decision with the conditions and restrictions we are facing.

"We will continue to focus on ways we can enhance the customer experience in the months ahead, and I’m confident we will welcome fans with a transformed facility and a global spectacle when we run the world’s greatest race."

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IndyCar's on-track action at the Brickyard in August will begin with practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12-13, followed by Fast Friday on Aug. 14 and Indianapolis 500 Qualifications on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 15-16.

As a result of the schedule changes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IndyCar races scheduled for Aug. 16 and Aug. 22 have been rescheduled.

The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio is now scheduled for Aug. 9, and the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway is now scheduled for Aug. 30.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.