As a result of many areas under stay-at-home orders and other social distancing restrictions because of coronavirus concerns, the list of automotive-related events that moved or canceled altogether continues to grow. We’ve compiled the status of many of these events here, including some that are still on. We will add updates as they become available.
Auto Shows
The Washington DC and Chicago Auto Shows came in just under the wire, while the Geneva Motor Show canceled. Still, the New York International Auto Show, initially scheduled for April 10-19 in Manhattan, moves to August 28 – September 6, 2020. Please go to https://www.autoshowny.com/ for more information.
The North American International Auto Show, also known unofficially as the Detroit Auto Show, has been canceled in what was to be its inaugural move from January to June, when the show could take advantage of warmer weather and host outdoor activities. Instead, TCF Center where the event was to be held will be turned into a temporary hospital.
Back on the international stage, the Paris Motor Show that was to begin in late September is also facing upheaval. “In light of the seriousness of this unprecedented health crisis and its consequent economic shock wave … we are forced to announce that we will not be able to hold the 2020 Paris Motor Show in its current format at the Porte de Versailles,” organizers said in a statement. What exactly a different format will look like is still being worked out. “We are thoroughly examining all alternative solutions with our main partners,” organizers said.
Auto Racing
Twelve Hours of Sebring
The 12-hour road race conducted by International Motor Sport Association (IMSA) at Sebring International Raceway moves to November 11-14 for its 68th running. Prior ticket purchases are valid.
24 Hours of Le Mans
The twice around the clock romp held in West-Central France moves to a different date. Initially set for a green flag start on June 13 at 4 pm and running until June 14, this 24-hour classic road race starts on September 19, 2020. Pierre Fillon, President of race organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest (Automobile Club of the West), said, “Postponing the 24 hours of Le Mans from the original dates …is now the most appropriate way forward in the current exceptional circumstances. First and foremost, I urge everyone to avoid putting themselves, their loved ones and others at risk. The most important thing today is to curtail the spread of this virus. Our thoughts go out to medical staff working relentlessly for the sake of us all.”
NASCAR
“The health and safety of our fans, industry and the communities in which we race is our most important priority, so in accordance with recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, NASCAR is currently postponing all race events through May 3rd, with plans to return racing in Martinsville on May 9th,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps. NASCAR competition officials plan to run all 36 races as well as the All-Star race this season. Phelps said pending further public-health developments, competition officials aim to reschedule these events before the 10-race postseason. But the NASCAR exec admitted that the race official’s decisions are difficult, especially when in the planning stages of sweeping changes coming next season.
Formula 1
CEO Chase Carey has announced Formula 1 moves forward its Summer break period to March/April and resumes racing during the actual break period. He anticipates the season end date will extend beyond the originally scheduled date of 27-29th November. While the situation is in flux, F1 has stated the actual sequence and schedule dates will likely differ from the original 2020 Formula 1 calendar.
Indycar
All NTT Indycar Series events through April are canceled beginning with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 13-15 through the AutoNation IndyCar Challenge at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas which was to take place April 24-26.
Indianapolis 500
The 104th running of the Indy 500 moves from May 24 to August 23. Qualifying will take place on the previous weekend. The May 9 GMR Grand Prix, where the IndyCars race on the Brickyard’s road course will now take the green flag on Saturday, July 4. It will be part of a doubleheader weekend with NASCAR racing on Sunday, July 5.
“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,” Roger Penske said. “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.”
NHRA
NHRA drag racing has suspended its season. According to the organization. “We tentatively plan to resume racing after April 15. NHRA is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to determine the best time to resume racing. Everything is fluid right now and no predictions can be made with any certainty.”
Pikes Peak
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb’s 98th running moves from June 28 to August 30, 2020. “With full recognition and understanding related to the current coronavirus situation, our Board of Directors has decided to postpone the Race to the Clouds until August 30,” said Tom Osborne, chairman of the hill climb’s board. Fan Fest, which held in downtown Colorado Springs moves to Friday, August 28.
Automotive Events
The Easter Jeep Safari
The Jeep-centric off-road-safari held in early April each year since 1967 is canceled. The Moab Chamber of Commerce in Moab, Utah, issued orders limiting attendance at special events. It also extended the edict to encompass motels and campgrounds in and around Moab.
The Pennzoil AutoFair
This event is one of the largest collector car events and swap meets in North America. The event functions both inside and on the adjacent parking lots at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Normally held in April, the Autofair now opens and runs June 12-14, 2020.
The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
The Concours originally scheduled for May 30-31 in Greenwich, Conn., has been canceled for 2020. “We all love cars and the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, which is a highlight of the year for thousands of car fans across the region and nation,” said McKeel Hagerty, chairman of the event. “But what matters most is the safety and well-being of our friends, families and loved ones.”
Radwood
The celebration of all this weird and wonderful about 1980s automobilia has postponed until further notice. It had scheduled events in Philadelphia and South Carolina. According to organizers, “We are hoping to have a late summer date locked in for the rescheduled Philly event. We are working closely with Micheline to find a new date for the South Carolina event.”
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The world’s premier Concours of classic cars is canceled for 2020. Originally scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16, the car show returns Aug. 15, 2021, on the fairway in front of the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
