Author: Nathan Brown, Indianapolis Star

It may have been a virtual race, but for Robert Wickens, Saturday’s iRacing Challenge was a major step in his return to IndyCar racing.

Team Penske’s dominant IndyCar squad turned in a riveting duel in the final six laps Saturday on the virtual Barber Motorsports Park road course.

It may not be out on the asphalt, but Robert Wickens is energized to be back competing against the IndyCar paddock this weekend.

For the first time ever, the Indy 500 has now been scheduled to run outside the month of May, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the cancellation of the first four events on the 2020 calendar, IndyCar officials are now intently focused on preserving the 2020 Indy 500.