COVID-19 Updates in the World of Motorcycling
Motorcycling Australia Statement on COVID-19
Motorcycling Australia is aware of the ever-changing, fluid nature of the situation regarding COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus).
MA will continue to monitor and continually update our key stakeholders and MA members with the latest information, in line with advice from both the State and Federal Government departments. As these updates come through Chain Reaction Motorcycles will endeavour to update this article along with our social media platforms in regards to events that affect our customers in WA.
Whilst the FIM Superbike World Championship event went ahead with no issues, the situation is changing rapidly, and specifically international events are coming under closer scrutiny.
They are monitoring the government updates constantly and receiving daily communications from the FIM.
With a number of officials working at events, we are also in regular communication with our highly dedicated officials to ensure any queries or concerns they have, are being responded too.
MA will work closely with all MA permitted event organisers to ensure they understand and are fully aware of the precautions that should be put in place at their events.
All MA members, officials and spectators are urged to follow the Government’s advice on how best to protect themselves from the virus and practice good hygiene methods, whether at the track, at home or anywhere else in public.
Further information can be found at;
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
MA To Review International Team Events 18.3.20
With the current activity surrounding COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) including governmental imposed restrictions on National and International travel and mass gatherings, Motorcycling Australia (MA) are having to reconsider its involvement in all domestic and international activity over the next few months.
While all options are currently being worked through, sadly several events and activities have already been cancelled.
In relation to International teams, ISDE, MXON, WJMX, TDN and Speedway of Nations, MA is in constant communication with the FIM about the status of these events.
Due to the logistics involved in sending these teams to compete in Europe, the timelines required to activate the necessary travel, and the current uncertainty around international travel, MA have set deadlines of Mid-April to confirm our Australian Team’s participation in these international events.
MA’s current position is that they believe it is inevitable that they will have to cancel Australia’s participation in some these team events for 2020, however we will await further information from both the Australian Government and the FIM.
mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul – Round 2 POSTPONED 18.3.20
Due to the ongoing developments and global health concerns in relation to COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus), Motorcycling Australia (MA) and ASBK Management advise that Round 2 of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul is postponed.
The further restriction recommended by the Australian Government and imposed by the NSW Government have now made it impossible for the event to continue. ASBK is a major championship of MA, and the ASBK Management and MA staff have worked hard to find possible solutions to enable the championship to continue. However, as of today it has now become very difficult for riders, teams and officials to travel during this time and now many companies have placed restrictions on travel. Finally, a number of medical services required for the event have become too limited for the event to operate.
MA CEO, Peter Doyle stated, ‘’The developments of COVID-19 have changed each day over the last week and in some cases, they have changed hour by hour. The situation of last weekend is now very different as is the situation as of Monday. This is a tough call for the ASBK Management Team to make, but given the significances of the global health crisis this is the right decision to be made. We choose to make this decision now rather than the day before the race.’’
The ASBK Management Team extends its sincere thanks to Wakefield Park Raceway management for this commitment to ASBK and their open-minded approach over the last 7 days to supporting the ASBK Championship.
The ASBK Management Team will work with Wakefield Park Management to try and find a suitable date to reschedule in 2020. Further updates on this new date and the adjustment to the 2020 ASBK calendar will be announced as soon as possible.
MA has a responsibility to ensure all MA permitted events are conducted in a safe environment for riders, teams, industry, officials and fans. These measures are being adopted in response to an unprecedented situation and MA & ASBK are confident on the understanding of those concerned despite the inconvenience caused.
The judgment to postpone any MA National event is not taken lightly by MA and we take this opportunity to apologies for any inconvenience caused by this required decision. We look forward to getting the ASBK Championship back on-track as soon as possible.
Please keep up to date with further announcements via –
www.asbk.com.au or www.ma.org.au or follow ASBK on social media
Motorcycling Australia – Updates on Events 16.3.20
In response to the ongoing developments and global health concerns in relation to COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) including governmental imposed restrictions recently on travel and mass gatherings, Motorcycling Australia (MA) advises its members, State Controlling Bodies (SCB) and Key stakeholders on the status of MA permitted events initially scheduled between 16th March and 1st June.
MA is committed to conducting as many events during this period of uncertainty as possible, whilst at the same time acknowledging its responsibility to promote the welfare of everyone involved in MA permitted events including riders, teams, industry, officials and fans.
MA is moving to implement the guidelines, requirements and regulations as defined by the various National and State Governments. Whilst some MA permitted events may be able to continue without spectators or where they involve fewer than the recommendation number of people for mass gatherings, with other events this will not be possible without a significant financial impact on the clubs or promoters. In this case MA supports postponement and/or cancellation as needed.
The judgment to postpone any MA permitted event is not taken lightly by MA, the clubs or promoter and we take this opportunity to apologies for any inconvenience caused by these unprecedent circumstances.
MA also advises that it is in continual contact with FIM and FIM Oceania with respect to the status of FIM sanctioned International events. The postponement of FIM championships may result in further impact with upcoming FIM events and riders are advised to follow these developments of www.fim-live.com
MA reminds its members and licence holders that for updates and further information in regard to State Championship and Club events, please contact the local State Controlling Bodies (SCB) in that area.
The table below indicates the status of MA permitted events as of 16th March 2020.
Further information and updates on COVID-19 can be found at –
AIS COVID-19 and Sporting Activity
https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19#covid-19_and_sport_faq
The Department of Health COVID – 19 health alert
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for public gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-public-gatherings-and-visits-to-vulnerable-groups
2020 X Trial Australian Championship Cancelled
The organisers of the X Trial Australian Championship have confirmed the 2020 event will not go ahead.
The decision was made in response to ongoing concerns relating to the global COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and in order to protect the health and safety of spectators, riders and officials.
Event manager Simon Price confirmed all proposed rounds, in Wollongong, Melbourne and Perth, had been cancelled this year, however preparations had already begun on planning the event’s return in 2021.
He said the decision was a hard one to make, but the right one.
“We have taken advice from Government, Motorcycling Australia, and industry, and considered many factors in making this decision, including the effect on our riders’ sporting careers, as well as the important health concerns,” Mr Price said.
“But ultimately it is our responsibility to protect our riders, officials and our fans and the many people involved with putting on our spectacular event.”
Mr Price urged fans to continue to support Trials and other sports even if they cannot physically attend competitions.
“Now it is more important than ever to support your local clubs, competitions and their sponsors by engaging with them on social media and purchasing merchandise online,” he said.
“X Trial may not be happening in the flesh this year, but we will be more active than ever on our social media channels sharing awesome videos, tips and all sorts of great content to keep you pumped for a huge return to the arena next year.”
