Good Morning Everyone,

Following detailed consideration and advice by a working group comprising the Queensland State Council Executive and all Panel Chairs, it has been decided to postpone State Level Motorsport in Queensland for the next few months with reviews to happen on an ongoing basis to assess the impact of the necessary Government Covid 19 Restrictions.

The Organising Clubs and Teams that have been developing the first two rounds of the 2020 QRC (Roo Systems Manumbar Rally and Rally Whitsundays) have also reviewed their current positions, taking into account travel restrictions, social distancing requirements, public gathering limitations and exposure risks involved in the preparation and operation of a large scale rally. The financial status of Competitors, Officials, Sponsors and Commercial Partners is also a significant factor in all these considerations.

The nett result is that the first 2 rounds of the 2020 QRC have been postponed and the preparations for Round 4 Mundubbera has been suspended.

If the measures the Government has put into place are effective and a satisfactory containment of Covid 19 is achieved, we would look to re-activate at least 2 State Championship rallies in the latter half of the year. Consideration is underway by the Rally Advisory Panel into what structure the Championship will take.

At this point in time it is most likely that Rally Whitsundays and the Three Rivers Rally (Mundubbera) will be postponed to 2021. Roo Systems Manumbar Rally may run in the latter part of the year given that most of the preparatory work and permits are already in place for that event. Inspirations Paint Hinterland Rally Imbil is also likely to proceed if restrictions are relaxed by mid-year. Our respect and appreciation go out to Brisbane Sporting Car Club for their ability to bear the heavy lifting in this situation, and our commiserations to Lauren Penny, Paul Woodward, Clay Weston and the Team at The Whitsunday Festival of Motoring for all their hard work to pull that event together

As disappointing as these postponements are, I think you all agree that it is inevitable and necessary.
The Qld Rally Advisory Panel will be monitoring events closely over the next few months, and will receive further advice from the QSC Executive Working group which will be reconvening in late April to review developments.

Stay Safe everyone. Keep your heads low and look forward to coming out the other side of this so we can get back out there to enjoy the sound of screaming webers and antilag with the smell of dust in our nostrils!

Regards
Gerard McConkey
Qld Rally Advisory Panel