It was with great disappointment that the Classic Sports Car Club had to cancel our planned first two race meetings of the season at Snetterton (March 28/29) and Cadwell Park (April 18/19), following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Classic Sports Car Club members did get the opportunity to take the track on Wednesday 18th at the CSCC pre-season test day on the Snetterton 300 circuit. Two thirds of those who entered made the trip to Norfolk, with extra precautions at sign-on and throughout the day. Co-ordSport were present and able to chat (from a distance) to drivers about their spare part or upgrade needs.
With the current suspension of motor racing in the UK until the end of April, where does this interruption leave the Classic Sports Car Club? Our competitors who paid but were not able to attend the test day and those competitors who entered the Snetterton and/or the Cadwell Park race meetings will receive a full automatic refund. With a wide range of financial status amongst our membership we believe the fairest approach is to give them their money back rather than offer them a credit in what are uncertain times.
In regards to our scheduled Brands Hatch Indy, Brands Hatch GP and Oulton Park fixtures, we remain hopeful that these events will proceed, however unlikely it may appear now. The situation is changing daily, therefore we won’t send out entry forms at this time, but rest assured if the events go ahead we will be in touch immediately to encourage competitor’s participation. The Co-ordSport Tin Tops Series will be particularly keen that their Brands Hatch GP fixture goes ahead; as it is their series turn to race on this superb track. Rest assured that if it does not take place on 30th May, the CSCC will re-schedule this for 2021 if possible.
With a wide range of financial status amongst our membership, we believe the fairest approach is to give them their money back rather than offer them a credit in what are uncertain times.
The CSCC’s annual trip to Spa is more than three months away, and therefore still stands a likelihood of going ahead. Signs from China are promising and pressure to get life back to normal will be immense in every country. Should the event not go ahead, we will talk to members again about what the club will offer them, but for now please keep your entries coming in. We are very hopeful things should be back on track before the end of the season!
This pandemic comes on top of what were already challenging times for motorsport in general. Some of you may be wondering if the CSCC can weather this storm. Yes is the answer. The Directors, with the support of the Committee have ensured that since 2013 the CSCC has built a financial reserve to protect the club in the event of cancelled events. Whilst we could never have anticipated anything as drastic as these virus measures, we are optimistic that we will get through this. Discussions are taking place continually about ways to save and protect this reserve for as long as possible. More will follow on this in an issue of the club magazine Classic Lines next week, with a statement from our Treasurer and Chairman.
The office will remain open but the way the team work within it or from home will change. We are here to help you, bring you news and hopefully add a little optimism and humour where we can. To all our competitors, marshals, officials and fans; keep safe all of you, we will get through this together, and we will meet at a race circuit soon.
