MotorSport UK - COVID-19 Pandemic ** UPDATED 24/03/2020 **

[Comp Sec]

Please see the following notice which has just been issued by MotorSport UK...

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On Monday 16 March, the UK Government briefed the media in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In light of this, Motorsport UK is awaiting further clarification from the Government Department of Culture Media and Sport as to the implications for motorsport in the UK and will brief our community as soon as we have further clarity. This is anticipated within the next 48 hours.

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As soon as we have more information I will advise.

[Tony Smith]

Thanks Chris,

I guess its not looking like we will have a season this year.  

Will have to get some extra polish in!!!

Tony

[Comp Sec]

It is with regret that Motorsport UK is suspending all organising permits and Certificates of Exemption until at least 30th April 2020. This suspension follows the latest guidance issued by HM UK Government in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. This position will be constantly reviewed given prevailing information. 

As the National Governing Body, we would ask all Motorsport UK members to act responsibly and follow the Government’s guidance during this difficult time.

We thank all of our members, organisers, officials, volunteers, staff and their families for their support during these unprecedented times.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will resume sporting activity as soon as we are able. We also have a responsibility and duty of care to our staff who will be working from home, so please be patient with any queries you may have.   

David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, explained, “Clearly we live in challenging times and exceptional measures are required. The decision to suspend Motorsport UK permits on a temporary basis is not one that was taken lightly as the industry employs many thousands of people. However we have an over-riding responsibility to our members and the friends and families of our community. Furthermore, our social responsibilities extend to the broader population and the potential drain on valuable public health resources on which we are all reliant. 

“The situation is very fluid and we will continue to monitor developments over the coming weeks and hope that we can resume the annual motorsport calendar at the opportune moment. In the immediate short term our efforts need to be focused on ensuring that the industry that backs up the sport has the financial support that it requires from the Government in order that it can be sustained beyond this extraordinary scenario.”

[Shaun_E]

I assume this means that Goodwood and Hethel will not take place? I was just about to put my Goodwood entry in :-(

[Comp Sec]

That is the way its looking as all permits to the 30th April have been canceled.

We will need to see what the next month brings to see if any additional events including Curborough are affected. 

[david nelson]

I have cxd this season as I think it will be difficult to see the situation changing. I hope that full refund will be give to all who have entered events.

[david nelson]

I have cxd this season as I think it will be difficult to see the situation changing. I hope that full refund will be give to all who have entered events.

[Drumster]

Sevenoaks MC have already canceled their Motorsport at the Palace event that was due to be held on 24/25 May (same wekend as Gurston)

[Comp Sec]

Motorsport UK Extends Suspension of Motorsport Permits to 30th June

 

24/03/20

 

In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, Motorsport UK has today extended its suspension of all organising permits and Certificates of Exemption for motorsport events until at least 30th June.

 

This move provides clear guidance to event organisers, venues, competitors, officials and volunteer marshals of the role that Motorsport UK must play in supporting the broader UK public health agenda.

 

In recent days the feedback from our members and the community was a need for increased clarity to allow them to plan appropriately and, should the need arise, put in place necessary contingency measures.

 

Motorsport UK Chairman, David Richards explained, “Motorsport UK has a vital role to play with its community in re-inforcing that, at this time of national emergency, we must all stay at home to play our part in protecting the NHS and ultimately saving lives.  Today, the government have required that we effectively lock-down for a period of three weeks, however given that the most vulnerable in our society are required to isolate for three months, it is evident that the most responsible course of action was to propose a longer suspension of our sport.  When we reflect back on this time, it will be a brief, but vital, hiatus from our everyday motorsport life and we must put this in perspective.  This is a time of national unity and we need to come together with the broader public community to do all we can to support this battle and ultimately save lives.”

 

Motorsport UK will continue to monitor the prevailing advice from the UK Government in respect of the COVID-19 international pandemic and will update the motorsport community accordingly.