Welcome to The Grid, R&T’s quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Tests Come to Daytona
Not much is happening at the Daytona International Speedway right now, but it has a massive parking lot out front and sponsorship from AdventHealth, a large Florida hospital group. Racer reports that the track has become a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site, which ClickOrlando.com says is opening today. The site will offer around 500 tests per day between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays, and 9 am and 1 pm on weekends, or until supplies run out. It’ll be the first drive-thru test site in the county.
“Making tests available is one of the most important things we can do to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe,” said AdventHealth CEO Dr. Scott Brady, per Racer. “We’re asking people to stay home and practice social distancing, so bringing testing closer to where they live is essential.”
More U.S. Auto Plan Furloughs
Social distancing guidelines and virtually nonexistent demand for new cars has forced U.S. auto plants to shut down. As a result, many workers are being furloughed. Workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, which builds the Passat and Atlas, and Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant, which builds the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Ascent, are the latest, Automotive News reports. VW expects the furloughs to last no longer than four weeks, while Subaru says its measures will just be for one week.
Formula E’s New Car Delayed By a Year
To save costs amidst the coronavirus crisis, many racing series are delaying major rules changes, notably Formula 1. Formula E is doing the same, pushing back its Gen2 EVO car by one year, Autosport reports. In essence, that means new bodywork won’t be introduced to the series until the 2021-2022 season begins. “In these difficult times, adapting the cost structures in motorsport is a priority to ensure its sustainability,” FIA president Jean Todt said in a statement.
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