After the final round of pit stops, however, Takuma Sato chased down and passed Dixon for position on lap 172, which proved to be the winning move.

A somewhat truncated schedule was utilized, with numerous ancillary events (Freedom 100, Pit Stop Challenge, concerts, and various festivities) cancelled.

[9] On May 24, 2019, it was announced that IndyCar Series would introduce cockpit protection combining an aeroscreen and Halo system from 2020 season onward.

The combination of aeroscreen and halo is designed to improve safety standards by deflecting debris away from a driver's head and was originally developed for use in Formula One and IndyCar before its application was expanded to other open-wheel championships.

Prior to getting significantly airborne, Herta's unimpeded nose—minus its wings—attempted to spear into the left side of VeeKay's cockpit, level with his helmet.

The GMR Grand Prix was rescheduled for and held July 4, as part of the NASCAR Brickyard 400 weekend, and a matinee doubleheader with the Xfinity Series Pennzoil 150.

[26] Roger Penske stated on June 8 that "we are going to run it [Indianapolis 500] with fans", and that the race could be delayed further if they are unable to admit spectators.

[27][28] On June 26, it was initially announced that spectators would be admitted for the Indianapolis 500 at half capacity, including restricting grandstands, and not holding the Snake Pit concert party.

[29] On July 20, Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles stated that the IndyCar Series was continuing to work with local health officials, and that "unless the COVID-19 world crashes in on us and healthcare metrics really turn south meaningfully, I'm quite confident we'll be able to do the race.

"[30] On July 21, the Speedway announced the attendance cap for the race would be reduced to a quarter of its total capacity, and that attendees would be required to wear face coverings.

[31][32] On August 4, citing COVID-19 case trends in Marion County (which contains Indianapolis and IMS), it was announced that the race would be held without spectators.

For many years after World War II, the race had traditionally been scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time, which was typically equivalent to 12 p.m. EDT.

[42] Two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso confirmed that he was returning for his third Indianapolis 500 attempt,[43] in a third Arrow McLaren SP entry.

Scott Dixon and Will Power collectively drove more than 600 miles' (1,000 km) worth of laps, and the test yielded mostly positive results.

Oliver Askew, Álex Palou, Rinus VeeKay, and Scott McLaughlin took part in the test, which was conducted by IndyCar officials.

During the week leading up to the originally scheduled race day, Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi took some demonstration laps for the NBC Sports special "Back Home Again" which aired on May 24.

The race began with Scott Dixon immediately pulling into the lead, with pole sitter Marco Andretti being shuffled to third by the end of the lap.

[67] The first caution of the day came only 6 laps into the race, when James Davison suffered a brake issue that caused the entire right front wheel assembly to catch fire and spray debris along the backstretch.

[68] Racing resumed at lap 12, with Dixon and Takuma Sato, while Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe, and Alexander Rossi completed the top 5.

Rinus VeeKay, who had been running in the top 5, slid through his pit stall and hit one of his crew members, resulting in a stop and hold penalty.

However, the lead was erased by the race's third caution at lap 84, when Dalton Kellett slid wide into the outside wall in turn 3 after a failed attempt to pass Ben Hanley.

Behind him, Oliver Askew spun in avoidance and crashed heavily into the inside wall before ricocheting back towards the track and impacting Daly's car.

Askew suffered a concussion from the impact,[69] but was released from the infield care center with no symptoms or diagnosis, initially thought to have just been winded.

[70] Racing resumed at lap 100 with Alexander Rossi moving past Takuma Sato to take second place behind Scott Dixon.

Dixon and Rossi began exchanging the lead back and forth in an effort to keep momentum up and break away from Sato and Patricio O'Ward behind them, but were only marginally successful in doing so.

Zach Veach and Max Chilton remained on track in front of them for several laps hoping for a caution to extend their fuel, but eventually peeled off and pitted.

[72] With now less than three laps remaining, significant damage to the pit wall (which would require a lengthy repair), and with safety crews tending to the scene, the officials decided there was insufficient time to red flag the race.

The race ended under caution, with Takuma Sato taking his second victory ahead of Scott Dixon and Graham Rahal.

On the original date of the race, NBC aired an encore of the 2019 edition of the race, Back Home Again, with Mike Tirico joined by Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi[74] (645,000 viewers)[75] On August 23, the live coverage on NBC was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. eastern, following live coverage of The AIG Open Championship.

Announcer: Leigh Diffey Color: Townsend Bell Turn Two Suites: Paul Tracy NBC Host: Mike Tirico Analyst: Danica Patrick Features: Rutledge Wood The race was carried by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.