Motorsport returns to local tracks

The COVID-19 pandemic caused most motorsport events being cancelled all over the world even in South Africa. Slowly but surely events have been reappearing on the international racing calendar and now on the local calendar too.

Motorsport South Africa (MSA) the governing body of motorsport within the confines of our borders has recently announced that MSA-sanctioned motorsport events will be able to take place after receiving permission from Minister Nathi Mthethwa and the Department of Sport and Recreation. However, events will not look the same as prior to the lockdown measures taken as organisers have to adhere to conditions prescribed by the Department to ensure the safety of all involved within the COVID-19 context.

Included in the conditions is the restriction on the number of spectators and making sure that all attendees at motorsport events are temperature screened. In addition, there needs to be a COVID-19 compliance officer present at all times, strict cleaning protocols and compulsory wearing of face masks at all times by all attendees.

“We are very thankful to the Department and the Minister for the constructive way in which they engaged with us to find solutions and for allowing us to restart motor racing. Motor racing is a vibrant sporting code and an important contributor to the livelihood of many businesses and racing venues,” Anton Roux, Chairman, MSA.

Adrian Scholtz the CEO of MSA said that the governing body will work closely with all members of each of the various motorsport categories to support the efforts to restart the 2020 season. The 2020 racing calendar will be reconfigured to fit the current situation.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have placed additional obligations on MSA and our member organisations, but we have been preparing for our expected restart and look forward to working with event organisers and competitors to restart in a safe and timely manner,” says Adrian Scholtz, CEO, MSA.