SPEEDWAY — Speedway has been quiet this year, and that is a problem for businesses that rely on race fans to generate income.
In response, the Speedway Chamber of Commerce has created a lottery program to support 18 of the town's businesses. People can purchase tickets through July 5 for $10 each online or at McGilvery's Pub, 3 Sisters and a Trunk and b. Erin Designs.
A drawing will be held on July 6 to select eight winners who will receive $400 in gift cards from participating businesses that cannot be used until Jan. 1, 2021, according to a news release.
Businesses that are participating in the lottery include 1911 Grill, 3 Sisters and a Trunk, b. Erin Designs, Barbecue and Bourbon, Big Woods Speedway, Chicago Pizza, City Dogs, Daredevil Brewing Co., Dawson's on Main, Foyt Wine Vault, Fundaes Ice Cream, McGilvery's Pub, O'Reilly's Irish Pub, Peace Through Yoga, Speedway Indoor Karting, Tacos & Tequila, The Famous Tomato and Voom Room.
Proceeds from the lottery will benefit participating businesses and the Speedway Chamber of Commerce's initiatives to help them survive economic troubles created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IndyCar GMR Grand Prix and NASCAR's Brickyard 400 will be run without fans over the July 4 weekend, while the Indianapolis 500 has been moved to Aug. 23. Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske said the Indianapolis 500 could be moved to October if the race cannot be run with fans in August.
