Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca has welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the impending relaxation of restrictions at sporting events.

A number of grassroots events have been held in recent weeks, with clubs adhering to the detailed Return To Race guidelines – which includes sticking to any specific state government restrictions, as well as the overarching rule of one person per four square metres.

Arocca said Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs had done a terrific job in adhering to the guidelines and the expansive nature of motorsport had shown it could operate safely in the current environment.

“Motorsport is certainly a non-contact, spread out sport, no matter the discipline, so we have already seen with the events held in recent weeks that social distancing is very much achievable, particularly at the grassroots level,” Arocca said.

“The Motorsport Australia sanctioned events that have been held are doing a fantastic job at ensuring participants, officials and event organisers are kept safe thanks to the detailed plans we have in place through our Return To Race strategy.

“While today’s announcements on crowd numbers are more clear for traditional stadium sports, we’re confident that given our hard work behind the scenes, motorsport can enjoy the benefits of the relaxed restrictions in a safe and sustainable way in the coming weeks and months.

“Both myself and our hard working Motorsport Australia staff are in regular dialogue with all levels of government and we will continue to provide advice to our members and clubs about how these restrictions will apply to motorsport, including understanding how crowds at events such as the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship can return as soon as possible.

“We must ensure that we do things properly, in consultation with all levels of government, and do not risk any outbreaks at events. The detail in Return To Race and the issuing of permits is being done with the utmost care for not only everyone involved in the sport, but also for the entire community.”

Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed all states and territories had agreed to remove the 100 person cap on gatherings once states reach stage three of the ‘3-Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia’. This will see the cap replaced by the overarching ‘one person per four square metre’ rule – with some other specific restrictions in place depending on the event.

More detail will be uploaded to the Motorsport Australia COVID-19 Resource Centre in the coming days and weeks at motorsport.org.au/COVID19.