INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis 500 has been stripped almost to the bone for the 104th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
The iconic test of man and machine is too important to new owner Roger Penske to cancel in the year of the coronavirus pandemic. Its importance to the survival of IndyCar teams meant the race had to be staged even if the gates at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be closed to fans for the first time in its long, storied history.
"Virtually every sponsorship you have is tied to this event. It's the 800-pound gorilla," said Bobby Rahal, owner of three cars entered in Sunday's race that was rescheduled from its traditional Memorial Day weekend slot.