As the motorsport world has begun to scramble having seen the impacts of COVID-19 put motorsport on hold, the only round from our initial 2020 calendar has been cancelled.
The VHRR Sandown Historic is a fantastic race meeting and well supported but through a number of challenges understandably the VHRR have elected to cancel the event for 2020. The VHRR met early this week and after a strong discussion around health and safety, and focus on social distancing and PPE requirements the board decided to cancel this years event, it was generally agreed that the government restrictions will certainly still be in place by November and with uncertainty about personnel and possible limitations on travel for competitors it was no viable. It should be noted the VHRR and MGCC were prepared to run the event and make a financial loss for the gain of competitors, but as the situation in Victoria deteriorates the viability and challenges have put a stop on it.
MG Racing thanks and supports the VHRR and MGCC for their efforts and will be excited to join again in 2021, we will look at alternative options for later in 2020 to give our competitors an option to get on track if suitable.
Please see below official communication from the VHRR
Important message from VHRR Committee
Historic Sandown 2020
As you may be aware, the VHRR Committee has for sometime been in pre
planning for Historic Sandown 2020 and incorporating both the Government’s
Covid-19 restrictions and Motorsport Australia’s Return To Race strategy into
the deliberations.
Our Event Secretary and Clerk of Course have been developing Supplementary
Regulations consistent with Government restrictions, which would have
required restrictions on the number of persons onsite, including NO Spectators,
likely limit on Pit Crew of 1 or 2, no Trade Stands, No displays and no food or
beverage sales.
Whilst it was likely that the event would be conducted at a financial loss, our
primary consideration has been the health and safety of Competitors and Crew,
and our Officials and strict compliance with the Government restrictions
applicable at the time of the event.
Unfortunately the situation in Victoria has continued to worsen with increasing
doubt on our ability to conduct the event.
The VHRR Committee wishes to advise that we have come to the reluctant
unanimous decision to cancel Historic Sandown 2020. We trust that you can
appreciate our efforts in attempting to run the event and that you understand
that we have been left with no choice in reaching this decision.
We look forward to welcoming you to Historic Sandown 2021 when hopefully
this dreadful virus will be under control. In the meantime we trust that you and
your families maintain good health in these difficult times.
15 July 2020
