GATE CLOSED
Spectators have been shut out of the Waimate 50 in a late decision that has left the organisers ‘‘disappointed’’ and ‘‘frustrated’’.
Event organiser Rob Aikman confirmed yesterday the threeday hill climb event is closed to spectators.
Aikman said they now had to ‘‘change everything’’ at the venue but said the team were determined to press on.
‘‘With the constantly evolving restrictions on events during the Covid-19 pandemic, the management team have had confirmation [from MotorSport NZ] that under the current alert level 2 rules, outdoor spaces that are not event venues are restricted to ‘social gathering rules’ – therefore limited to 100 people.
‘‘It was a last-minute decision, and we just have to deal with it.
‘‘It’s frustrating and it’s hard work, but we will have to press on. We still intend to make this a good TV product. We will try to have live commentary and get a live stream going.’’
MotorSport New Zealand chief executive Elton Goonan said they learnt about the new guidelines late last Friday and it had taken them a few days to clearly understand the rules.
‘‘It was only on Tuesday this week we got a clear picture of the new guidelines and let everyone know. I do feel for them [Waimate 50] but they are not the only event [to be affected] this weekend.’’
The Waimate 50 is the second South Canterbury motorsport event hit by the rule in a week, with no spectators allowed at the South Island Endurance Series at Levels Raceway on October 16.
Rally star Hayden Paddon, set to debut the world’s first fully electric rally car on gravel, said it was a ‘‘blow’’ but not a massive one.
‘‘I don’t think it’s closed doors at all. We have media coverage. We can still show the world with all the technology and media available now,’’ Paddon said.
‘‘Yes, it would have been nice to have people there, but we’re still excited and thankful we can
still compete and do what we love the most.’’
Aikman said there would ‘‘definitely’’ be a financial impact but the organising team was prepared for such eventualities.
‘‘We are still going to take a hit [financially] but we had calculated and budgeted and had strategies in place. We’ve removed the major spectator stands and made a few changes around.
‘‘We’ve had to mitigate costs by cancelling a few things like all our vendors and the security for the venue. Sound systems around the spectator stands had to be removed as well. The event will now have minimal sound.’’
Aikman added the focus now will turn towards the TV programming and it was ‘‘comforting’’ to know that the sponsors for the event were still helpful with the decision.
‘‘A lot of conversations have been had over the past few days to ensure the Covid guidelines are met to allow the event to happen and that the competitors are able to enjoy the roads around Waimate.
‘‘We will do our best to air the event live through social media or another channel.’’
The event, cancelled in 2020 because of Covid-19, was historically a street race but is returning as two hill climbs.
Waimate District mayor Craig Rowley said: ‘‘Like everyone else, we’re disappointed that spectators will no longer be allowed at the Waimate 50 due to the alterations at alert level 2, however it’s important to follow the guidelines and do everything we can to help stop the spread of this virus.
‘‘I’m sure it will still be a fantastic event, and it’s great to have it back on the calendar after last year’s absence.’’
A production crew at the Waimate 50 site will be capturing all the action for a show to be broadcast on TV3 in a few weeks.