Author: David James

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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.
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Richard Harrison RIP

From Robert Newlove:

For you older members, you may remember Richard Harrison from Irton near Scarborough, he was involved in lots of events in the forests, sadly he has passed away in York Hospital. I am sure some of you will remember him.

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NHMC Warcop Stages (12 April) CANCELLED

In light of the Motorsport UK decision to suspend all organising permits and certificates of exemption until at least 30th April, the NHMC Warcop Stages Rally which was due to take place on Easter Sunday (12th April) is now cancelled.

I don’t think there is any possibility of re-scheduling it to a later date this year, so, we aim for Easter Sunday 2021.

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Lookout Stages – Postponed

From Rober Newlove, for Info:

From: Richard Hart [mailto:lookoutmarshal@virginmedia.com]
Sent: 17 March 2020 12:26
Subject: Lookout Stages – Postponed

Unfortunately the Lookout Stages has been postponed. I would like to thank you for your ongoing assistance and support in running our events and look forward to seeing you when we are able to run again.

The official announcement is:-

With the escalation of the coronavirus pandemic within the UK we have taken the decision to postpone the Lookout Stages Rally due to run on April 5th at Melbourne Airfield.

With the limited facilities available on site and with the latest government guidelines we did not consider that we could run an event that was safe for competitors, organisers and marshals so have regretfully had to postpone.
We will try to run later in the year but this will obviously depend on the progression of the virus and availability of suitable dates. All competitor’s entry fees will be refunded in full

Andy Turnbull
Clerk of the Course
Lookout Stages Rally

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Motorsport UK COVID-19 Update

From Motorsport UK:
 
Motorsport UK COVID-19 Update
 
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.”
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Maple Garage Autotest (22 March 2020) postponed

From Robert Newlove:

In accordance with instructions from Boris, I have decided to postpone the Maple Garage Autotest until the crisis is over. We may have it in the sun!.

Most of our marshals ( and some of our competitors)  are getting on a bit, so I think it is best to err on the side of caution.

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Coronavirus update: Changes to Motorsport Safety Equipment and Vehicle Inspections

Email from the Technical Team at Motorsport UK (at 23:38 on 14th March)

Dear Colleague,

Please be advised of the following latest guidance provided to all Scrutineers tonight:

It is judged that the current methods of close inspection of Competitors’ vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment may encourage the spread of virus contamination between Officials, Competitors, and other staff.

In order to reduce the potential risk, the following temporary changes are to be made to at all Motorsport UK events: Continue reading “Coronavirus update: Changes to Motorsport Safety Equipment and Vehicle Inspections”

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North Yorkshire Classic Rally – 22 March 2020

From John Newlove:

Ian Sadofsky has been asked to run 2 Tests on the York Motor Club’s North Yorkshire Classic Rally on Sunday March 22nd at Murton Auction Centre near York. Sign on by 9.30 and finish by 12.15.

This is a Historic Rally Car Register championship event with over 60 crews

If you are available to help please email Ian  iansadofsky@gmail.com)