MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The limited number of spectators that will be on hand for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio NTT IndyCar Series doubleheader this weekend will have to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course officials outlined their protocols Tuesday evening for this weekend’s activities at the venerable road course that has hosted IndyCar Series events since the 1980s.
The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio will be a doubleheader weekend for the NTT IndyCar Series with 75-lap races on both Sept. 12-13, on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course in Steam Corners, Ohio.
NBC Sports coverage of the doubleheader weekend will begin Saturday with race one at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and continue with Sunday’s race two coverage on NBC at 1 p.m. ET. Practice and qualifying sessions will be available for live streaming on NBC Sports Gold.
Track officials worked with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and reached an agreement that allows 6,000 spectators to attend. Currently purchased event tickets and Mid-Ohio Season Race Passes will be valid for entry.
A very limited number of tickets remain for sale at midohio.com on a first come, first serve basis. No tickets will be available for purchase at the gate during the race weekend.
“We greatly appreciate Governor Mike DeWine’s leadership and support in granting the variance to the sports order to allow a limited number of spectators to attend The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this weekend,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions. “Our team would also like to thank Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Interim Health Director Lance Himes and Morrow County Health Commissioner Stephanie Bragg for their guidance and time to review our plans.”
In accordance with Ohio’s statewide mask mandate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is required to wear facial coverings while indoors or outdoors on Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course property. All spectators will enter the facility through gate one. They will also be subject to a temperature check and health screening upon entry.
The CDC’s recommended guideline of at least six feet of social distancing must be maintained while on property.
“It’s exciting to open our gates to fans again this weekend. The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio is one of Ohio’s premier annual events,” said Craig Rust, president of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. “For those who attend, we ask for everyone’s cooperation and adherence to all the COVID-19 protocols which will be in place to make this a great weekend for us all.”
The NTT IndyCar Series will run its 36th and 37th races in its history at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The green flag will drop at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 12, and then at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The weekend schedule will also feature doubleheader races for the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and tripleheader events for the Cooper Tires UF2000 Championship, both part of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires development ladder for professional open-wheel racing’s rising stars.
The Global Mazda MX-5 Cup will also hold two races across the weekend. The complete weekend schedule is available online at midohio.com.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting NTT IndyCar Series doubleheader this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Green Savoree has been an outstanding partner throughout this process, working diligently with the Ohio Governor’s office to ensure the right protocols and procedures are in place to host a limited number of spectators,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp. “Our doubleheader will provide an action-packed and thrilling experience for fans on site and viewers tuning in via NBCSN on Saturday and NBC on Sunday.”
Fans should visit midohio.com/covid19 for more information on the essential health and safety protocols and social distancing procedures.
Additional answers to common questions can be found at midohio.com/covid19faq, as well as information for those who had purchased grandstand seats, paddock and pit passes since these areas will be closed during the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.