The second round of the 2021 TCR Australia series at Phillip Island, scheduled for next weekend, has been postponed due to a new statewide lockdown imposed by the Victorian Government.
The lockdown, initially for five days, limits travel into and out of the state, giving organisers few options but to postpone the event scheduled for 18 – 21 February.
With no certainty that the lockdown will end after the initial five-day period, and with many attendees required to travel into Victoria in the coming days and weeks, organisers accepted that many would be unwilling to do so without an understanding of whether the event could proceed.
Australian Racing Group has confirmed that any spectators who purchased a ticket will be provided with a full refund.
Work is underway to schedule an alternative date if possible for the event, which was to feature both two-and-four wheeled racing across the weekend.
“The postponement of the Phillip Island event is the sensible option,” said ARG CEO Matt Braid.
“It’s a shame that this has caused a delay in our second event for the year, but protecting the community, or teams and stakeholders is the priority at this time.
“Phillip Island is a premium motorsport venue, and we look forward to finding a new date to showcase our great racing classes at the venue.”
Michael Smith, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations, explained why the event required certainty a week before the first day.
“We’re all understandably disappointed with this outcome, given the significant planning already underway for this event,” said Smith.
“The health and safety of all those who would be part of the event has to be our priority and unfortunately race meetings like this cannot just be turned on and turned off in 24 hours.
“There would also be a significant costs for organisers, categories, teams, officials and spectators if there was a last minute cancellation, so this decision provides some certainty for everyone who had planned to attend and makes sure that no competitors are disadvantaged in their respective series or Championship.
“For the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, we now look forward to the opening round taking place as part of the Hi Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour on the Easter Weekend.
“We look forward to working closely with Matt and the team at Australian Racing Group to deliver an exciting event at Australia’s most iconic circuit.”