The Motorsport Australia Queensland Circuit Racing State Championships gets underway this weekend for the first time in 2020 with the highly anticipated Queensland Racing Drivers Association’s Warwick 1000.
More than 160 drivers will head to Morgan Park for the Championships’ season opener as eight categories do fight it out for honours over two days of non-stop action.
While a majority of the Championships’ regular categories will be on show during the weekend, including Production Touring and Sports Cars, Improved Production Cars and Sports Sedans, it’s the popular Hyundai Excel series which will boast the largest field of 29 entries.
As the first major circuit event to take place at Morgan Park since the COVID-19 restrictions were eased in Queensland, club President Chris Donnelly admitted it’s been a challenge to comply with the Government requirements, but Motorsport Australia’s Return to Race guidelines has helped.
“Our key goal has been to comply to government regulations and with that in mind when organising the event, we have gone over the top,” Donnelly said.
“It’s been a great challenge us to manage, but it’s imperative to get this meeting right as it will probably dictate how future race meetings will proceed. There are a lot of procedures we have had to change, but we followed the Return to Race Document and it will hopefully be worth it.
“We have also made the tough decision to remove spectators from the event. We know there will be a lot of disappointed people, but with all the restrictions in place, it’s not very manageable.
“Our competitors are just happy to race again and that’s all that matters.”
And despite all the hardship event organisers have faced in the lead up to the weekend, Donnelly believed it was for a good purpose with drivers keen to compete.
‘We’re certainly excited for the weekend and we have had such good feedback from all competitors ahead of the event. They are all so grateful for it to be happening,” Donnelly said.
“The club doesn’t do things for recognition but it’s nice to know the people you’re doing it for recognise the effort you’re putting into and I think that shows with how many people are entered.
“I also want to highlight the Hyundai Excels. It’s amazing to have 29 entries because a lot of those guys will be competing next weekend at the Robson Civil Projects Townsville SuperSprint, so for them to commit to us as well is outstanding. It’s really good effort.
“I’m also proud of our small team and the work they’ve done in conjunction with the state motor race panel, as well as the really dedicated group of officials we have. There will be 70 in total which is great for us and the competitors’ safety.”
Competitors will have access to a private practice session on Friday, before the official proceedings begin on Saturday morning.
The Warwick 1000 takes place at Morgan Park on 29-30 August.