NASCAR Cup Series Will Race Without Fans At IMS

The Brickyard 400 won't have spectators but it sounds like the Indy 500 will.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Brickyard 400 will run without spectators.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement on Thursday after extensive consultation with local and state officials.

The race will be held on Sunday, July 5.

Under Governor Eric Holcomb’s five-stage reopening plan, sporting venues will be able to host public events with social distancing starting July 4. However, Marion County – home to Indianapolis – recently entered State 3 of the road map 10 days after the majority of counties.

"While we certainly worked diligently to run our events with spectators, we reached a point where we needed to make a final decision because the race weekend is less than a month away," Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles said. "Today it's not possible to be confident that Indianapolis will be at Stage 5 of the state's reopening plan by the Fourth of July weekend.”

Fans who purchased tickets to the GMR Grand Prix, Pennzoil 150 or the Brickyard 400 will have the option for a credit to future IMS events, such as the Indy 500.

IMS officials are “committed to welcoming the world’s greatest fans to the Speedway for the 500 in late August.”

For more information, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

More from Local Sports


Events

Two Former Fire Chiefs Arrested on Theft Related Charges

The alleged thefts from Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Department took place between 2021 and 2024. 

Charges Filed in Major Mail Theft and Forgery Case in Ohio County

Investigators confirmed victims experienced missing or delayed mail, including checks and other critical financial documents.

D.I.C.E. Challenge Community Business Pitch Competition Returns

The competition is designed for founders in the earliest stages of business development.

Local Sports Report - January 30-31, 2026

Conference and sectional champs were crowned over the weekend.

East Central Wins Wrestling Sectional Title, Several SEI Stars Advance to Regional

Local wrestling sectionals were held at South Dearborn and Jennings County.

Local Sports Report - January 29, 2026

Girls basketball and boys swimming results.

Lee Ann Womack I Hope You Dance 18:18
Thomas Rhett It Goes Like This 18:15
Waylon Jennings Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? 18:13
Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw Undivided 18:09