ANDERSON, Ind. – Anderson Speedway officials reaffirmed Thursday that the 72nd annual Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW is still scheduled as planned on Saturday, May 23.
The announcement comes in the wake of the decision by Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT IndyCar Series management to postpone the 104th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge from May 24 to Aug. 23 in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic.
“It is redundant to say that everyone and every business has been affected by this virus situation,” said Rick Dawson, President of Anderson Speedway. “However, we will get back to some normalcy soon. Although we do have many fans and competitors from throughout the United States, I truly feel within two months, we will be in a much better place.
“I fully understand the issues at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and their huge international and other logistical concerns are overwhelming to be able to hold their event in May, but we are firmly committed to holding the Pay Less Little 500 presented by UAW, as scheduled, on May 23.”
The currently published schedule for the event includes practice on Wednesday, May 20 with qualifications on Thursday and Friday, May 21-22.
The City of Anderson Little 500 Festival Committee is currently discussing any changes that may be made to Festival events.
“We are, as always, committed to providing a safe and entertaining facility for our fans and competitors. Additional procedures are being put in place to ensure the track is as clean and sanitary as possible,” noted Dawson. “I am not a doctor, but I have found that fresh air and warm temperatures are very therapeutic to me and hopefully the virus will subside and be eradicated very soon.
“We pray everyone stays safe so we can enjoy Anderson Speedway again next month.”