INDIANAPOLIS — For a while, it seemed like the NTT IndyCar Series’ new season opener on June 6 at the Texas Motor Speedway would remain in the “in doubt” category. They got some good news though a few weeks ago, when Texas’ governor announced that they’re going to start reopening the Lone Star State back up, albeit with some revised guidelines. Part of the reopening phasing would include a return of sports to be played inside of the monstrous state. But, in order to host a sporting event, the governor wasn’t willing to do so with fans in attendance. No state at the moment is any time soon.

So, for IndyCar to come in June still, the invitation was extended. The only problem was, how would IndyCar and TMS make any money if fans can’t couldn’t attend?

NASCAR could return to action because of their 10-year, $8.2 billion TV package. They make over $800 million per season just from the TV deal. That money then gets distributed to teams and the tracks. Basically, within a week of NASCAR coming, you get a hefty check worth millions of dollars.

IndyCar, well they don’t have that luxury. They share a TV provider (NBC Sports) but their TV deal is far less than NASCAR’s. So much so, IndyCar can’t share any TV money with the race tracks that host them. With that said, IndyCar also requires a sanctioning fee from those said race tracks in order for them to come race.

As they sat a few weeks ago, TMS was going to have to pay IndyCar a fee in the “six or seven figures” category yet receive no money from the TV deal, nor any money from the gate. That wasn’t a feasible option for TMS because they’d lose millions that way.

IndyCar and TMS would then hope for a NASCAR bailout and have NASCAR bring the Cup Series to make up for their lost April date due to COVID-19 and have a doubleheader weekend. NASCAR, brings the TV money, the gates are opened and IndyCar races a day prior. Texas, makes money on the NASCAR TV deal, pays IndyCar their sanctioning fee and hosts two major races in one weekend. Everyone comes out ahead.

Unfortunately, NASCAR wants to limit their travel. They’re not ready yet to travel too far from North Carolina. They’re hosting one-day races with no practice or qualifying and no fans. That limits the amount of personnel needed at the tracks and saves overnight stays in hotels — hence them racing in South Carolina (Darlington) and North Carolina (Charlotte).

So, how could IndyCar and Texas make a month from now work?

Well, both sides gave up some things on each end and worked together for the betterment of the sport. Still, things are going to be different in June than originally scheduled.

No Truck Series Shared Weekend

The Truck Series and IndyCar weekend has always been around for the month of June That dates back since the inception in 1997. This year, TMS officials confirmed that the Truck Series won’t be coming to Texas in June and that a makeup date is hopeful. This is an IndyCar only deal next month.

1 Day Show

With no Truck Series action for the Friday before, TMS and IndyCar worked out a deal to just shorten the weekend to a one-day show. NASCAR led the charge in doing that for their first seven races of their resumption and IndyCar now follows suit. The only different aspect for IndyCar is, that they’ll still practice and qualify where NASCAR won’t. They’ll be just one, two-hour practice session (1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET) qualifying 90-minutes after (5 p.m. ET) then the race at 8:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

Shortened Race Distance

You may have noticed that the race went from being called the “Genesys 600” to “Genesys 300.” No, the race didn’t lose 300 miles in distance, it actually only lost 48 total laps. The “600” in the original title was for 600km. To make this simple for you, 600k around a 1.5-mile track is 248 laps. The new distance is 300 miles, which equates out to 200 laps. So, the race is definitely shorter, but not by as much as it looks.

No Fans

There won’t be any fans in attendance as both sides are going to take the right measured steps to ensure the safety for all team and track personnel.

Safety Measures

Other steps to protect the well-being of participants have been identified through close consultation with TMS and public health officials. These include:

• Strict access guidelines limiting the number of personnel on site (20 members per car max which includes driver, spotter, etc. That’s down around 25 but that 25 doesn’t include any PR staff, family or sponsor guests. The 20 includes everyone.)

• A health screening system administered to all participants (Drivers and team members will fly in on charters, get temps taken before taking off and upon landing. They’ll be shuttled to the track, checked again and then head home after the race)

• PPE equipment provided to everyone entering the facility, along with guidelines on usage

• Social distancing protocols in place and carefully maintained (They’ll use every garage space given which means teams will be spread out all through the facility).

• Revised competition layout to increase distancing