IndyCar allows fans to attend race for first time, but masks not required

Motor racing fans were out in their thousands on Saturday for the opening race of a weekend doubleheader at Road America in Wisconsin, with IndyCar welcoming fans to its races for the first time this season.

This is only the third event on the IndyCar schedule after the coronavirus pandemic caused the season to start nearly three months late.

The series is treating each event separately, guided by local and state regulations.

Road America's sprawling, 640-acre layout surrounding the course allows fans to practice social distancing and roam the property rather than crowding into a grandstand.

Fans received temperature checks at gates and received masks and hand sanitizer as they entered.

Wearing a mask was encouraged but not required, and a stroll through along the Road America property indicated the majority of spectators were spending at least part of the time unmasked.

IndyCar also plans to have spectators next weekend for a doubleheader in Iowa, where the oval track has grandstands.

IndyCar is hoping fans will fill 50% of the speedway's capacity for the Indianapolis 500 on August 23.