NASCAR and IndyCar release statements about coronavirus impact (Update)

UPDATE The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is monitoring the two recent coronavirus cases in Florida as it prepares for the event’s March 13-15 festivities.

“We continue to monitor the coronavirus developments and the updates from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Florida Department of Health," said Steve Bidlack, the manager of marketing and communications for Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which puts on the event.

03/04/20 NASCAR released a joint statement Wednesday afternoon with IMSA and ARCA (they own both) on the coronavirus – that is is business as usual and all racing will run as scheduled as of right now.

“The health and safety of our fans, competitors, employees and everyone associated with IMSA, ARCA and NASCAR remains our top priority," the statement read. “We are in regular communication with relevant authorities and will continue to monitor the situation closely."

IndyCar released a statement Wednesday afternoon that the sanctioning body is monitoring the coronavirus outbreak but expects no schedule disruptions to its NTT Data Series season opener.

According to the statement from IndyCar: “We are actively monitoring the situation and working closely with public health officials to ensure the well-being of our spectators and event participants. We don’t expect any disruptions to the IndyCar schedule, including next week’s race in St. Petersburg and the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway."