MotorSport NZ shares Covid-19 advice

MotorSport NZ is urging event organisers to follow its “Back in Motion” plan now much of the country is back at Covid-19 alert level two.

Elton Goonan, acting chief executive officer, says if the latest restrictions to try to prevent the spread of the disease are extended beyond midnight on August 14 it may affect motorsport events across New Zealand. 

In an email and video update, he reminds organisers of the plans first put in place in May for the different alert levels.

Goonan, pictured, says no motorsport events are able to take place under level three, which came into force for Auckland on August 12, and level four.

The rest of the country was put at alert level two at the same time and he explains activities can take place using the “Back in Motion Plan”. 

“This plan was successfully utilised in the previous alert level two restrictions to hold motorsport events,” says Goonan.

“The Back in Motion document provides general guidelines for providing motorsport events during Covid-19 restrictions such as hygiene requirements, social distancing requirements and clarification around the number of people allowed at events.”

He advises organisers that anyone entering a motorsport event venue must have their details recorded for contact tracing. MotorSport NZ has developed resources to help with this, including utilising the government’s NZ COVID Tracer app and QR code tracking posters. It also has a venue plan checklist to ensure organisers comply with government guidelines around mass gatherings.

“With social distancing requirements in place, it may not also be possible or appropriate for scrutineers to complete a physical safety audit prior to competition commencing,” adds Goonan. 

“A self-scrutiny of vehicle safety has also been implemented as part of the resources. Competitors will need to complete the safety checklist and submit it with their event entry alongside photos of the vehicle’s last three logbook entries.

“Officials and volunteers also have a set of guidelines to ensure their safety on events. The basis of the guidelines is minimising person to person contact, mainly ensuring documentation is completed electronically where practicable.”

He urges all competitors, crews, officials, volunteers and organisers to check the full list of resources at www.motorsport.org.nz/organiser.

‘Relative normality’

At level one, “motorsport can return to relative normality with no restrictions on gatherings and businesses or services”. 

Goonan says while physical distancing is also no longer required, contact tracing is still recommended.

He also recommends clubs continue to use electronic event documentation and timing sheets, and encourages them to maintain good hygiene practices.

MotorSport NZ adds it will communicate to members how events can operate under each set of restrictions as the government makes further announcements. For the latest information, visit www.motorsport.org.nz/covid-19.

Annual general meeting

Goonan says the 73rd MotorSport NZ AGM remains on course to be held in Wellington on Saturday, August 22. 

“As things stand right now, we are still planning for this to take place as scheduled,” he explains. “We are however continually getting information around the evolving Covid-19 situation and the restrictions that are in place so this does remain a little bit fluid for the meantime.

“We understand that most of you will have travel and possibly accommodation arrangements in place so we are mindful that we want to give you as much notice as possible if these need to be changed.”