IndyCar to return to action behind closed gates in Texas

©IndyCar

IndyCar will roar into action on June 6 at the Texas Motor Speedway, the US series holding its first race on the fast oval behind closed gates and over a single day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Genesys 300 will see practice, qualifying and the shortened 200-lap race all run on the Saturday according to the following schedule.

Practice: 1:30 – 3:30pm EST
Qualifying: 5pm EST
Race: 8:45pm EST

The event will be broadcasted live by NBCSN.

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"America needs live sports and they are not going to believe what they see when the Genesys 300 storms into their living rooms on TV from Texas," said TMS boss Eddie Gossage.

"One of the world’s greatest sporting events, the Indy 500, has been postponed until August by coronavirus, so all of that pent-up energy, anticipation, frustrations and anxiety will be pounding through the drivers’ nervous systems. Typically, the Genesys 300 results in a 220-mph photo finish."

IndyCar president Jay Frye added: "We're excited and ready to kick off the NTT IndyCar Series season at Texas Motor Speedway.

"We've worked closely with Eddie Gossage, the entire TMS team and public health officials on a plan of action that will ensure the safety of our event participants alongside an exciting return to competition for our drivers, teams and viewers tuning in from around the world."

©IndyCar

Stringent guidelines protecting the safety and health of participants will be in force at the Fort Worth's speedway, with a limited number of people working on site, a health screening system administered to all participants, PPE equipment provided to everyone entering the facility, along with guidelines on usage, social distancing protocols in place and carefully maintained and a revised competition layout to increase distancing.

"Racing is part of Texas culture and we are thrilled for the opportunity to bring back this tremendous experience to the people of Texas and to all Americans," said Gossage and Texas governor Greg Abbott in a joint statement.

"Public health remains our top priority and the protocols for this race have been developed with the guidance of public health officials.

"While we know that many Texans are ready to attend races in person, this plan provides a solution that enables Americans to enjoy this tradition from the comfort and safety of their homes as our nation responds to COVID-19.

"We are thankful for the partnership with IndyCar and proud that Texas is at the forefront of opening these cultural and entertainment experiences to all Americans."

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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.