Roger Penske has reversed course and decided not to allow fans at the Indianapolis 500 later this month. The 104th running of “The Great American Race” will be the first without spectators, who showed up at Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year, even during the Great Depression.It was a flip for Penske, who purchased the iconic speedway in January and has spent every day since upgrading his new showplace to prepare for his favorite race.
The pandemic forced the race to change dates for the first time, from Memorial Day weekend to Aug. 23.Penske had initially said he wouldn't run the 500 without fans.
But as the pandemic continued to spread across the nation, the decision was made to limit capacity to 50%. The speedway then lowered that.