Motorsport and the Coronavirus

[Greem]

I think it is instructive that MSV are being very clear with their wording too: 'visitor', not 'spectator'. Paddocks are closed, no pit lane walks etc.

At Donington over the weekend the 'visitor' parking was on the Tarmac Lake and so far as I know pedestrian entry was via the gate between Redgate and Hollywood.

Some hardy souls ventured onto the infield but they had to walk past us at McLeans and round to Coppice to do so. Quite the walk there and back!

[one-two]

We were told permits would be issued initially subject to the events being held behind closed doors - that requirement seems to have been interpreted slightly differently by different organisers

[Anyopenroad]

Originally Posted by one-two

We were told permits would be issued initially subject to the events being held behind closed doors - that requirement seems to have been interpreted slightly differently by different organisers

Or, MSUK don't actually have the authority to issue such a stipulation? I'm operating at the far boundaries of my knowledge here so happy to be corrected. Is the permit issued to the organising club or the circuit? If it is the former, neither the club nor MSUK would have any say over what the circuit decides to do outside the competition area (hence my inside/outside the fence reference above). Their only recourse would be to withdraw the permit, in which case they'd be picking a fight with an organisation without which there would pretty much be no national motorsport.

[one-two]

I too am stretching knowledge, but you are probably on the right lines. However, that interpretation does not seem universal. I think even where visitors have been admitted, the usual facilities, eg catering, have not been open

[midgetman]

I got an email from Thruxton containing this info:

The first event (CSCC - July 25/26) will be run behind closed doors. No spectators will be allowed into the circuit.

We're hopeful that spectators will be able to attend the remaining events. We're working with Motorsport UK and are following the updates from the UK Government as to when/if this will be possible. We'll keep our website and social media channels updated with the latest information.

[The Fat Clerk]

Just had an interesting document from the MUK to do with Marshalling:

POSTS • Posts should have no more than the number necessary to carry out the usual function of that location and in order to maintain safety coverage in accordance with the track licence • The post must be able to facilitate allocated marshals in line with current government guidance in respect of social distancing, and with mitigation as necessary • Post allocation should be issued remotely prior to event to avoid unnecessary delays and gatherings

So no more 1 Flag & 1 Observer only on a post.

Marshals can also attend incidents as previously:

In the event of an incident requiring intervention or where there is no OK sign (thumbs up) from the driver, marshals equipped with appropriate PPE should adopt the usual procedures to deal with the incident until additional support arrives. At which time the marshals' direct involvement may not be required, and they may only be needed to control the site.

[brands]

Originally Posted by midgetman

I got an email from Thruxton containing this info:

The first event (CSCC - July 25/26) will be run behind closed doors. No spectators will be allowed into the circuit.

We're hopeful that spectators will be able to attend the remaining events. We're working with Motorsport UK and are following the updates from the UK Government as to when/if this will be possible. We'll keep our website and social media channels updated with the latest information.

The Thruxton historic meeting in August now has a ticket price on the website but no means of ordering, yet.

[flagwaver2]

Originally Posted by coppice

I haven't a clue what is going on. I asked Harewood Hill Climb why their August meeting is spectator free and they replied (commendably promptly ) to the effect that MSUK guidelines prohibit spectators .



So are the guidelines optional, I wonder , and what are the consequences for not adhering to them? Presumably not serious enough for MSV to decide not to follow them ?



I have asked MSUK to clarify as this is getting silly - pubs are open ,shops and barbers , most of the country's race circuits too so ...I am confused

One of the problems at Harewood is you can't really separate the spectators from the paddock. One of the guidelines is they need to be separate. It is also difficult to do at Croft. It is easier at most MSVR circuits as there is a definitive paddock area, that can be "closed off"

[midgetman]

At Wiscombe we're not going to have access past the start line for viewing. When we finish the run we have to stay in our cars and not socialise and especially not go to the Martini Hairpin viewing area.

It's Devon. In September. Glad my car's got a roof

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[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by flagwaver2

One of the problems at Harewood is you can't really separate the spectators from the paddock. One of the guidelines is they need to be separate. It is also difficult to do at Croft. It is easier at most MSVR circuits as there is a definitive paddock area, that can be "closed off"

Cadwell is surely going to be virtually impossible to seal off "the paddock" - although their website does say: "In order to comply with guidance from the relevant motorsport authorities, visitors will not be able to access the paddock and pit lane for the time being".


Be interesting to see how they manage in just over a week's time.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by midgetman

At Wiscombe we're not going to have access past the start line for viewing. When we finish the run we have to stay in our cars and not socialise and especially not go to the Martini Hairpin viewing area.

It's Devon. In September. Glad my car's got a roof

I love Wiscombe. Always went well there. In fact my avatar is from Wiscombe, exiting the first (Sawbench?) Hairpin heading towards Martini.
Shame you cant nip down to Martini from the top holding paddock. That was always part of the fun.
Remember being at Wiscombe the weekend Gilles Villeneuve left us.

[Gerard C]

Albi is going to happen this weekend which is already a success. Not all the grids are really well supported but the place looks far to many competitors eyes. Not cheap to go there…

[St Eval]

Originally Posted by midgetman

At Wiscombe we're not going to have access past the start line for viewing. When we finish the run we have to stay in our cars and not socialise and especially not go to the Martini Hairpin viewing area.

It's Devon. In September. Glad my car's got a roof

Which day are you doing Sat or Sun, if Sunday I will probably be your main paddock marshal, could be top paddock though.



Roy



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[midgetman]

It's the MG meeting on Saturday 16th (?). My first for years. Excited muchly.

Originally Posted by St Eval

Which day are you doing Sat or Sun, if Sunday I will probably be your main paddock marshal, could be top paddock though.



Roy



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[Gerard C]

Max please, tell us more! What car, grid, race number, co-driver we must know! Live timing will be on may be?

[St Eval]

Ah, I'm there for Torbay MC Wiscombe on the 23rd August, would have been at MG Wiscombe, but the wife tells me I'm on holiday. Torbay Clay Pigeon this weekend in the supercharged Chamois silhouette. I'm looking forward to it to.


Roy

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Max please, tell us more! What car, grid, race number, co-driver we must know! Live timing will be on may be?

Wiscombe is a hill climb Gerard, about as lowly as I can get. I doubt there's live timing, it'll be hard to see the egg timer with the webcam. Deepest Devon doesn't have too much in the way of internet either.

My car isn't exactly "historic" as it's only 17 years old, it's my daily driver MGZR160. I'll be sharing with MiniMM, it's only his second car event. But he's a regular kart racer so I'll struggle to beat the little git

Last time I was there he was in his carry cot. In those days we had to stop the event for half an hour while the house owner's pheasants came home for feeding. It's an absolute country idyll, with all the problems that brings regarding paddock, wheel changing etc.

https://www.wiscombepark.co.uk/


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[MGDavid]

Max if you can guarantee dry weather I'll bring the modsports down...

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Max if you can guarantee dry weather I'll bring the modsports down...

It's Devon. It's September........................................

[Gerard C]

Nice little car the ZR. Hard suspensions on the road if my memory serves. Any connection with a Honda?

[midgetman]

Very hard suspension and I'm getting old

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[andy97]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Nice little car the ZR. Hard suspensions on the road if my memory serves. Any connection with a Honda?

Same, or very similar, chassis as the Integra DC2 I think, but different drivetrain and body obviously.
Supposed to handle very well. A chap I know in CSCC raced an ex works Production Class car in the Britcar endurance series in the U.K., with a 2 litre Judd built K series engine and reckoned it was one of the best cars he has ever raced.
Another BL/ MG Rover that could have been a world beater but wasn’t!

[Gerard C]

Its too often a battle between engineers and the sales staff at least in France. They imagine and design acceptable cars and the cost killers start their bad job. At the end of the day they pretend a Pug or Cit is competing in the same league as Audis or Bimmers. We know it does not work in the real life!

[The Fat Clerk]

At Shenington this weekend, seriously impressed with the time, effort and money put in re Covoid 19. Signs everywhere about social distancing, face covering etc. All the buildings are one way and there's security on the toilets only letting one in at a time and extra Portaloos as well.
Lots of hand sanitisation points around.
The racing wasn't bad either.

[midgetman]

I was at a different kart track yesterday with a different set of rules to the others I've been to. Lots of tannoy announcements about masks on at all times, but they're the only track I've been to where they insist on masks in the "awning" (I use pop ups, canopy only, no sides). They did allow household groups to have their masks down, so the three lads I was running sat there without masks while working on their karts because they were in family bubbles. But I was on my own so couldn't take mine off in my own lorry because it was a communal workspace. I presume if the current MrsMM had been with me I could have taken my mask down.

Confused? I certainly was.