Nikola Motor Founder Resigns Following Fraud Allegations
Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
Nikola Founder Steps Down Following Fraud Allegations
It's been a wild ride for electric and hydrogen truck startup Nikola Motors. At one point, Nikola was more valuable than Ford despite not yet building anything, and earlier this month, GM took a stake in the company. But just after that, a short-seller accused the company and its founder, Trevor Milton, of fraud, and now the DOJ and SEC are investigating. Milton has maintained his innocence, but today, Nikola announced that he is voluntarily stepping down.
"Nikola is truly in my blood and always will be, and the focus should be on the Company and its world-changing mission, not me," said Milton in a statement. Replacing him is former GM vice chairman Stephen Girsky.
World Endurance Championship Confirms Six-Race 2021 Season
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend, the FIA World Endurance Championship confirmed that it would be holding a six-race season next year. Racer reports that the series is targeting a short calendar to reduce the financial burden on teams impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule—subject to approval by the FIA—is as follows:
3/13 - 3/14: Pre-Season Testing at Sebring
3/19: 1000 Miles of Sebring
5/1: Spa Six Hours
6/12 - 6/13: 24 Hours of Le Mans
7/18: Monza Six Hours
9/26: Fuji Six Hours
11/20: Bahrain Six Hours
This will be the first time the WEC races at Monza, but notable absences include rounds at Silverstone and the recently revamped Kyalami Circuit in South Africa.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Will Have Spectators in October
This year's Indy 500 was the first run without spectators in attendance, but soon, the Speedway will be open again to a handful fans. NBC Sports reports that 10,000 tickets will be sold for the 10/1 to 10/4 race weekend at IMS, which includes two IndyCar rounds on the Speedway road course on the 2nd and 3rd, and an eight-hour sports car race on the 4th. Obviously, that's far, far below the capacity for IMS, but it's something. It's also the first time race fans will be able to see the improvements to the Speedway carried out by Roger Penske and his organization. If you want tickets, head to the IMS website soon.
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