Motorsport and the Coronavirus

[Gerard C]

I see what U mean, Mate…*

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

That doesn't add up. I did the Abingdon Sprint on a still-used MOD airfield and base a couple of weeks ago, no spectators but approaching 200 drivers and crew present. All worked well under new rules.

Word on the street is that there is a bit of a power struggle between MOD and the devolved "landlords", Landmarc. We may be the victims of machinations far above us.

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[Gerard C]

David, ATM french meetings are held with no issues so far. After Albi, Dijon and Charade, Nogaro is coming soon. No probs with the new rules but spannering with a face mask is somewhat hard depending on the outside temperature. We had up to 42 C inside the garage, not very comfy!

[Peter J Horsman]

The quarantine exemption extended to MSUK applicants is only to be given to Int'l licence holders and only applies to attendance at MSUK events, so even with an exemption certificate, you still have to quarantine (except when attending MSUK events), so no going to work, pubs, friends and so on. The exemption certificate issued by the MSUK makes this clear, as does their website now.

[Peter Mallett]

I confess I havent seen any exemption certificate just the e mails from MRL and Masters. I'm also not sure that the MRL and Masters are MSUK events.

[MikeHoyer]

This page possibly? That's what I've been following.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/further...the-community/

[Peter Mallett]

Thanks Mike. That appears top apply to those returning from an event in a "red country", who wish to participate in an event within 14 days of their return. Not sure it over rides the Government requirement to quarantine for 14 days.

[Peter Mallett]

Got it. This link makes it clear. If you are not an elite sportsman then the exemption doesn't apply.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-cont...tion-Chart.pdf

[Paul D]

CSCC have just cancelled their planned meeting at the Le Mans Bugatti circuit for October, stating uncertainties over the Covid situation as the reason. Planning to reschedule for 2022 - let's hope Covid is more or less a thing of the past by then.

I had considered doing this meeting, but in the end, decided that there were just too many variables in the current circumstances, so reluctantly decided to give it a miss. Seems I made the right decision. Full refunds will be given by CSCC, but I wonder if some will lose out on travel or accommodation plans that they've already made, and possibly paid for?

[Gerard C]

Very sad news of course and I wonder how this meeting can be held because it mainly sits on foreign competitors.

[Robyn Slater]

Can someone explain how motor racing can be classed as a "organised team sport"? Asking for a friend

[dwh43scale]

Well, if you win, it usually means you have an organised team.

I'm just happy that a number of circuits / venues have invested the time, effort and money to make themselves Covid Safe so we can enjoy motorsport - whether taking part or watching.

[Robyn Slater]

This answers my question.

COVID-19 Guidance Update for the Community
Release: 11/09/2020
Hello Robyn,

It is now a little over two months since motorsport restarted in the UK, and what has been achieved by everyone in our community in getting our sport back on track is nothing short of remarkable. I would like to thank everyone – our member clubs, officials, marshals, teams, and competitors – for your dedication and determination.

It is this spirit of collaboration and commitment to embrace the ‘new normal’ that will ensure motorsport can continue and withstand the ever-changing conditions. While many aspects of our everyday lives have been impacted, we are extremely fortunate that motorsport has been able to resume, and is categorised as an organised sport that has already been through restart protocols.

However, this Government backing will only continue while our community is playing its part in maintaining the safest possible environment, as we have all been doing so far. We must maintain this high standard, accepting and embracing evolving guidance. We are all aware that Government needs to react swiftly to the evolution of the pandemic.

This brings us to the revised protocols announced earlier this week by Government. Thankfully, organised sport can continue to operate, when there is clear evidence of a thorough plan and consistent execution. Motorsport qualifies on that count. However, there are changes that we now need to implement to allow us to continue safely and these are summarised below:

there is now the requirement for all participants to wear a face mask in all areas of the venue at all times
the removal of individual personal exemptions from wearing a face mask; these persons will no longer be allowed to attend Motorsport UK events
enhanced powers for COVID-19 Officers, Clerks of the Course and Stewards to intervene and penalise any transgressions
reducing the maximum number of marshals per post to 6.
The revised measures are effective from Monday 14 September and further details can be found in an updated version of our COVID-19 Q&A, available on the Restart section of our website.

READ THE UPDATED COVID-19 Q&A
We trust that you understand the need for these changes, and thank you in advance for your cooperation and for helping to keep the sport we love safe and on track.

My best regards to you and your families,

Hugh Chambers
CEO, Motorsport UK

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[andy97]

Isn’t “the removal of individual personal exemptions from wearing a face mask; these persons will no longer be allowed to attend Motorsport UK events“ contrary to disability discrimination law?

[Asp]

Originally Posted by andy97

Isn’t “the removal of individual personal exemptions from wearing a face mask; these persons will no longer be allowed to attend Motorsport UK events“ contrary to disability discrimination law?

Probably not. It would be indirectly discriminatory because it's not people with a disability who are told they can't attend, but those who can't/won't wear a face covering - which is likely to affect those with certain disabilities more than those without.
That means the discrimination can be justified on (in brief) reasonable grounds. I'm sure MSUK have run it past their lawyers to check it'll still comply with the Equality Act - it's fair to say that the courts are adopting a more lenient attitude generally where things are done in the name of Covid-19 protection and are objectively justifiable.

[MGDavid]

"all participants to wear a face mask in all areas of the venue at all times"
The original email from MUK strongly emphasised the 'alls' in bold, so do we suppose they require us to wear a mask under our helmets?

[Paul D]

I think, in some respects, this just makes it black & white and removes any opportunity for grey areas and should sort out the few who think the rules aren't for them. Prior to this ruling, it has been all too easy for some - and yes, I know it's a minority - to simply say 'Oh, I get asthma' or something similar, simply because they can't be bothered to wear a mask.

Yes, it discriminates against those who genuinely can't wear a mask (which I imagine is a tiny fraction of people), but it makes everything much simpler from an enforcement perspective. It's now a very simple binary choice: be there, wear a mask, no excuses - or be somewhere else.

It also makes me wonder about anyone who claims they can't wear a mask because of some pre-existing respiratory condition, if we consider the fact that Covid is a respiratory disease that's proven to be worse for those with pre-existing respiratory problems. That being the case, why would anyone with a pre-existing respiratory condition even want to go anywhere where they'll be surrounded by hundreds of people, some of whom may possibly pass on a potentially lethal virus to them?

Each to their own I suppose...

[Paul D]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

"all participants to wear a face mask in all areas of the venue at all times"
The original email from MUK strongly emphasised the 'alls' in bold, so do we suppose they require us to wear a mask under our helmets?

David, somewhere I read a clarification along the lines of 'drivers can replace their masks with balaclavas whilst competing on circuit.'

And, of course, we must be allowed to remove them to eat & drink, and, I assume, we'll be allowed to remove them once inside our own sealed accommodation for the night. Can't imagine they expect us to sleep in a mask surely?

I suspect the 'all times' is emphasized just to let that small minority (see my previous post) know that vague excuses for not wearing one will not be tolerated.

[coppice]

It is refreshing that at least MSV , and Mallory Park have got their act together in enabling business to carry on , if not quite as usual , but at least a reasonable approximation . Othee venues(not just circuits ) remain shut or off limits .

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by coppice

It is refreshing that at least MSV , and Mallory Park have got their act together in enabling business to carry on , if not quite as usual , but at least a reasonable approximation . Othee venues(not just circuits ) remain shut or off limits .

...and MSV is run by a qualified Doctor who probably has a better, more realistic understanding of the situation than some.

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

"all participants to wear a face mask in all areas of the venue at all times"

The original email from MUK strongly emphasised the 'alls' in bold, so do we suppose they require us to wear a mask under our helmets?

No, because the helmet constitutes a face covering under the law. Very sloppy of MSUK not to check the wording. Almost as if it were rushed out as a knee jerk reaction - but that wouldn't happen would it?

Plenty of social distancing here at Wiscombe but few masks. Last event under the old regulations of course. I've had a photo from Clay kart track where masks are enforced in the dummy grid, and it is being adhered to.

Personally I don't like wearing a mask but do so willingly if it means we carry on while attempting to halt the virus's spread. I'm also taking care not to touch "other people's" surfaces which from what I understand is the biggest spreader.

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[The Fat Clerk]

Copied directly from an email I received yesterday:

Q&A

I have a medical exemption from wearing a face mask.
Motorsport UK has removed the provision for individual personal exemptions from wearing a face mask and these persons will no longer be allowed to attend Motorsport UK Events.

What will the officials do for those that are not complying or refuse to comply with the COVID-19 requirements?
Each participant must be considerate of their actions and the impact on others.

Motorsport UK has been permitted to resume events by the respective Governments and under the “Getting Back on Track” guidance. It is imperative that all participants adhere to both Motorsport UK and
Government guidance so that we can continue to run Events.
It is now mandated that face masks are to be worn in all areas at the Event (with the exception of competitors whilst in their car or kart competing). In the event that an individual fails to comply with COVID-19 requirements in the first instance, the officials in conjunction with the COVID-19 Officer will give a gentle reminder. Continued transgressions will result in the COVID-19 Officer bringing the report to the Clerk of the Course and Event Stewards, who will issue penalties, and the matter will also be reported to Motorsport UK and could also result in eviction from the venue.

Please remember our Officials do not wish to remind anyone of the need to comply. Any abuse towards Event Officials will not be tolerated.

[andy97]

But motorsport largely takes place outside, and yet I can still go to the pub as long as not in a group greater than 6 and not have to wear a mask. It makes no sense.
Don’t get me wrong, I can and do wear a mask, but I do not understand MUK introducing a rule that is far more stringent than any other environment that I can think of.
We have to protect ourselves but is this a relevant and proportionate response?

[Peter Mallett]

I think you'll find that pubs and restaurants are controlled environments where you are required to register your presence and phone number etc. Wide open spaces are not the same.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I think you'll find that pubs and restaurants are controlled environments where you are required to register your presence and phone number etc. Wide open spaces are not the same.

Maybe, Peter, but I have been in to one pub and one Indian restaurant in the last fortnight and not registered at all.
I would feel safer in the paddock at Donington Park without a mask than in a pub with one (between sips!)