Motorsport events remain on track
MotorSport New Zealand (MSNZ) has laid down a set of guidelines for event organisers to ensure racing action goes ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak.
There are no plans at this stage to cancel or postpone any motorsport events and MSNZ says all permits issued remain valid.
Chief executive Simon Baker says the organisation has been having discussions at board and management level to put “things in place to ensure that the sport and life continues as best as possible”.
Limiting the number of people in confined spaces, whether competitors or spectators, and minimising person-to-person contact by completing more entries and briefings electronically is among the advice being dished out.
In a statement, MSNZ says it will continue to monitor the situation and will always adhere to government policy.
Its guidelines in respect of COVID-19, which were issued on March 16, are as follows:
• No event shall take place with more than 500 people (including but not limited to competitors, crew, venue staff and spectators) in a confined space. For events at a circuit, no more than 500 persons are allowed inside the confines of the venue; for rally events, no more than 500 persons within a square kilometre; for clubsport events, no more than 500 persons within a square kilometre.
• All government notifications and Ministry of Health policies must be adhered to at all times.
• Competitors for all permitted events must be entered and documented electronically through MotorSport New Zealand Online (POSSUM). This includes all currently issued permits for events already planned.
• ClubSport Basic events will be also required to do competitor entry via MotorSport Online.
• MSNZ will provide an online registration form for event organisers to register anyone wishing to attend an event who has not already registered.
• No person should be allowed to attend any event if they have had flu-like symptoms or have been overseas in the 15 days prior to the event.
• MSNZ requires that all driver briefings be conducted on paper or electronically
Rally loses international competitors
The Otago Rally is among the events on the motorsport calendar that are still going ahead despite disruptions caused by the coronavirus.
Organisers of the event, which is due to run from April 3 to 5, issued a statement on March 15 saying announcements by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to impose travel restrictions to help contain the outbreak will have a considerable effect on the rally.
“It is with real sadness that we realise the large contingent of international competitors, media and fans will no longer be able to attend,” the statement says. “These enthusiasts have always been hugely valued and appreciated, and we have already been in contact with those affected competitors.”
However, organisers are continuing to plan for the event with 96 New Zealand teams entered. The Asia-Pacific Cup component of the rally will also proceed as the field only features Kiwi teams.
“We recognise that the decision to continue is still subject to further restrictions that might be announced this week by the Prime Minister, or other authorities, and we will need to fully comply with these,” the statement explains.
“The essence of rallying competition is that it is not in a confined public space, but very dispersed in rural areas. If further public health directives are issued, these may well be focused on density of public gatherings, and in this regard there are options to manage this, without requiring event cancellation.”
Organisers are also urging all involved in the rally to take heed of the personal hygiene advice that has been publicised in relation to COVID-19.
