Jul 10

Jul 10 S5000 shifted to September after Melbourne coronavirus outbreak

The opening round of the 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, encompassing the first race of 2020 for S5000 and TCR Australia, will now take place on 4-6 September at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Originally slated for August, the event has been moved following the re-introduction of Stage Three restrictions in Victoria.

The move affects the carsales TCR Australia Series, VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Champiopnship, the Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, the National Trans Am series, and the Motorsport Australia GT Championship.

Michael Smith, Director of the Motorsport Australia Championships, said “we were hoping that the August date would be possible, however with a large number of teams Victorian based and unable to travel freely between New South Wales and Victoria, we felt the only option was for the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships to take place on the first weekend in September,.”

“Opening our season at Sydney Motorsport Park is certainly an exciting prospect and we know that this new date will be upon us very soon. Ultimately, we all want to go racing as soon as we can.

“We know this year is one that is very fluid and we are greatly appreciative of the support of all our categories and circuit managers for their flexibility and understanding.

Matt Braid, CEO of the Australian Racing Group, said “the current coronavirus crisis is unprecedented and we have to remain flexible in how we adapt to the ongoing impact on our return to race plan.”

“As we’ve seen the situation in Victoria develop over the past few days, and considering the many affected teams, moving the date back was the best outcome for all.

“We’re excited that we have a new date for Sydney and working hard to get the clearest possible direction for our categories.”

This is sure to be the first of many changes to the championship calendar, with the Sandown event, originally scheduled for 11-13 September, likely to be shifted back.

“This new Sydney date may mean that we have to change dates for future rounds,” said Smith, “however together with the team at Australian Racing Group and our other category partners, we will provide updated information as soon as we are able to.”