Two major events on the Australian desert racing calendar, Finke Desert Race and the Condo 750 have been cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
Finke Desert Race was scheduled to run on its usual dates over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. However, due to government-imposed bans on mass gatherings along with Northern Territory Government advice restricting travel to remote communities the Finke committee decided to cancel this year’s event.
The Finke committee also said rescheduling the race for later in the year was not an option.
It’s the first time in 44 years that the event will not be run.
Offical Statement from Antony Yoffa, President Finke Desert Race;
The Finke Desert Race Club committee held an emergency meeting tonight to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on this year’s Tatts Finke Desert Race.
With the limitations placed on large gatherings by the Australian Government along with Northern Territory Government advice restricting travel to remote communities; the Finke committee has decided to cancel the 2020 Tatts Finke Desert Race.
For the first time in 44 years, there will be no Finke weekend celebrated in Central Australia by locals and 7000 interstate visitors.
Postponement to later in the year was not considered an option. Therefore the next event planned is for June 2021.
The club is in the process of contacting all competitors, sponsors, volunteers, officials, suppliers and ambassadors directly. Details on refunds for competitors will be forthcoming.
This is a disappointing day for organisers and all concerned, but the decision taken is the right one. Public health is too important.
Condo 750 Cancelled
The Condo 750 Off-Road Navigational Rally was scheduled for 10-12 April. However, organised have confirmed the event will not go ahead.
A statement released by race organises said;
“Due to the imposed gathering ban it is with great sadness we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Condo 750. We have a responsibility to our community, competitors, committee, officials, volunteers and spectators to ensure that we as an event don’t add to this already increasing crisis. A full refund will be offered to all paid entries, please give us time to contact you and arrange this. We thank you for your support of our 2020 event and hope to see you all for our 2021 event.”
Hattah Desert Race scheduled for 3-5 July is still going ahead at this stage.