Spectators allowed at MSV events again
Motorsport Vision will allow spectators to attend race meetings from this weekend, following the resumption of on-track action.
All UK sanctioned events had been suspended by the governing body, Motorsport UK, from March until the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Racing resumed last weekend, albeit behind closed doors, but MSV announced plans last week to let spectators into its five race circuits – Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park and Snetterton – from this Saturday (11 July).
Chief executive of MSV, Jonathan Palmer, said:
“We took the decision to admit day visitors to MSV race meetings from 11 July after many weeks of deliberation and close monitoring of the measures adopted by other outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks. We’ve put in place a very detailed set of Covid-secure protocols to enable visitors to attend safely, which includes significantly reduced capacities, a closed paddock and advance-only ticket sales.
“Our plan is to gradually and cautiously build up those visitor numbers over the coming weeks and months, assuming the UK continues its current path of emerging from the COVID-19 crisis successfully. We’re yet to determine capacities for August when we start to hold British Touring Car Championship and British GT events but will review this in mid-july.”
Test and trackdays at MSV venues still only remain open to participants at the moment.
The other main circuit operator in the UK – the
British Automobile Racing Club, which manages the Thruxton, Croft and Pembrey venues – has said it will not be letting spectators attend events at its tracks until at least next month.
“Our position is we took the decision when we decided to go back racing that July would be behind closed doors,” said BARC chief executive Ben Taylor. “We’re not going to change that – we’ve only got a couple of meetings in July and we’ve already refunded everyone that had bought a ticket for the Classic Sports Car Club meeting at Thruxton.
We’re going to leave it and take a view for August.”
Taylor stressed that the BARC doesn’t “disagree with what MSV are doing necessarily” but said that, without any major events in July, there is no reason to reverse the earlier decision.
“It’s really difficult – there’s no specific government guidance for our sector and there’s not likely to be,” he added. “We each have to understand and interpret the regulations the best we can.”
Motorsport UK released guidelines on how motorsport could resume safely back in May, stating it would only allow 50% of event permits issued for July 2019 to be granted for this month to limit demand on marshals.
A statement said: “The governing body has jurisdiction for the competition and sporting elements of any event, in conjunction with the club, promoter and venue. All other matters are at the sole discretion of the venue owner and, where they have queries on the guidance, Motorsport UK will refer their enquiry to insurers.”