The ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks and subsequent border closures around the country have regretfully forced the cancellation of both September’s Sunset Strip Nationals and the Adelaide International Raceway event which was scheduled for October 2-3.
The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA), the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association (SDRA) and Adelaide Drag Race Promotions (ADRP) are disappointed to announce these cancellations of what were to be the fifth and sixth rounds of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series (SRESS) and also round three of the new Australian Drag Racing Championship (ADRC).
While disappointed, ANDRA, SDRA and ADRP have been faced with no other alternative as multiple states around Australia grapple with growing COVID-19 outbreaks and border closures place heavy restrictions on events and interstate travel as a result.
“Unfortunately cancelling these events is the only possible and fair option to ANDRA members – as was the case in the decision-making process around August’s Benaraby Dragway double-header, the majority of our membership base will be prevented from attending these events through no fault of their own,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said.
“Given the current situation and the expected ongoing uncertainty, it would not be responsible for us to think or hope border restrictions will be lifted in time to allow racers and tracks to prepare for either of these events in September and October, and so we have moved to make this decision now to allow competitors as much notice as possible.
“The conditions in which all sporting organisations continue to operate is exceptionally tenuous and unpredictable, but we will continue to push forward to complete as many national-level racing events for both the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series and the Australian Drag Racing Championship as we can, while supporting our member tracks.
“We can only hope that conditions will improve soon, but in the meantime, we would like to thank all of our supporters and our members for their patience and support, and encourage you all to continue to look out for each other in these difficult times. Hopefully we can see you all again at a race track very soon!”
Those who have entered for the cancelled events should contact the relevant track directly to receive their entry fee refund.
The next scheduled round for both the SRESS and ADRC is the Goldenstates at the Perth Motorplex across November 26 and 27. For event information, visit www.motorplex.com.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
