When the Covid restrictions in America began to lift, people rushed back to their cars to get them out on the road again. Some were even driven by the desire to race once more before the pandemic took its toll. But while gas stations and car dealerships reopened, the need for speedways ceased to exist.
The Indy 500, considered by many to be the mother of all American sporting events, was the first major racing series to stage events once more. But it wasn’t long before the need for safety measures and social distancing once more took precedence.
In the coming months and years, many speedways were either closed or converted to driving ranges or museums. Here’s a look at what happened.
Indy 500
After the Covid restrictions were lifted in America, the Indy 500 returned in mid-May as a part of Formula One. The first few races were contested by only half the field, but the series organizers opted to go ahead with the full roster of cars and drivers. The event was a major success, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators.
While some were there to support drivers like Marco Andretti and Scott Dixon, who were still trying to win their first Indy 500 race, many more were there to watch the spectacle. The Indy 500 is now considered to be the World Series of Motorsport, and it’s one of the most popular and historic sporting events in America.
Other Grand Prix Series
Other grand prix series such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans also returned, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and live-streaming the event on social media.
In the coming months and years, more and more speedways will stage races and reopen to the public. In some places, safety protocols and social distancing measures will be in place to ensure that spectators can enjoy their favorite pastime without endangering their health.
Racing Museums
Some of the most iconic American sports venues have found a new life as museums, paying homage to the athletes, players, and teams that called them home. The Boston Red Sox will open their doors to the general public this year for the very first time in over 80 years, while other historic venues have closed up shop and transformed into museums.
Racing has always been considered to be a part of American culture, and it’s enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the post-pandemic world. With more people getting back to their cars, it’s no wonder that many speedways are trying to capitalize on the interest with museums and exhibitions.
Whether it’s the Indianapolis 500 or other popular series, the opportunity to catch a glimpse of racing in person is becoming more attainable for spectators. And given the safety protocols and health concerns surrounding the virus, it’s nice to have options other than just attending a game.
The return of motorsport in America has been nothing short of spectacular. From the Indy 500 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the desire to get back out on the track has fueled a renewed interest in motorsport. And with more and more speedways looking to cash in on the demand, it’s only a matter of time until racing is back where it belongs – on the tracks.