The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
What we’ve missed, what we’ll miss
The sun rises over the track at Churchill Downs on May 7 in Louisville, Ky. The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until Sept. 5 because of the coronavirus.
Yankee Stadium as it remained closed due to COVID-19 on March 26. since 1859. First run in 1852, the regatta has been canceled during wars. But this will mark the first year without the regatta since 1945.
Special Olympics
The Connecticut Special Olympics Summer Games will be held virtually this June. There will still be a virtual opening ceremonies and dance party, tremendous work by the organization and countless volunteers. But few sporting events.
Road Races
The summer usually kicks off with the Big Three of Fairfield, Branford and Litchfield. There are plenty of virtual races unfolding, but the crowds and atmosphere will be missed.
Racing at Lime Rock Park
The Memorial Day Classic featuring the Trans-Am Series and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association often kicks off the summer in Lakeville. This year, the event has been postponed to Oct. 16-17. The Trans-Am Series offers Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers and Corvettes, while the SVRA includes Indy and Formula 1 cars as well as classic Jaguars and Porsches. The Northeast Grand Prix, scheduled for the second weekend in May, will be held Oct. 30-31, featuring Porshe, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros and more in the IMSA event.
Tennis in New Haven
While the ATP/WTA stop here is now an Oracle Series Challenger event, it does mark the first time professional tennis does not hold a tournament in New Haven for the first time since 1989. The bigger loss could be the popular Legends event with the likes of James Blake, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe and more over the past few years. New Haven also held a USTA Challenger event from 1983-88 so this is just the second time in 37 years there will not be pro tennis in the city. The event was scheduled for July 27-Aug. 2 at the Connecticut Tennis Center.