The organisers of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship have taken the unavoidable decision to cancel the 2020 series, owing to the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
With four rounds of the championship already cancelled, and three more points-scoring rounds postponed, the BTRDA board of directors met to discuss in detail all the possible options that are available now, and that might come to light during the latter half of the season.
It was unanimously decided that the fairest and most sensible option to competitors, event organisers, officials and fans was to address the uncertainty with a decisive announcement, and to unfortunately cancel the 2020 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship forthwith.
The championship organisers would like to thank the events – the Legend Fires North West Stages, Rallynuts National Tour of Epynt, Manx National Rally, Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally, Tyrone Stages Rally, Hills Ford Three Shires Stages Rally and the Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally – for their hard work and understanding in these unprecedented times.
Attention now turns to organising, promoting and delivering an exceptional 2021 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, with an equally superb calendar of challenging events.
Steve Layton, Chairman of the BTRDA, said: “Unfortunately the Directors were left with no option but to take this action regarding the 2020 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, and will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation closely in the hope that our other championships will be able to restart before the end of the season. We would like to thank Jane and her team for all the work they have done to have made this a superb championship, and give her our full support for 2021.”
Jane Evans, Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship Co-ordinator, said: “The decision to cancel the 2020 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship has been taken with a very heavy heart, but under these unprecedented circumstances it is the correct thing to do and the right decision for everyone. It is of course disappointing and frustrating, as we had put together a fantastic calendar of events for this year, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the event organisers for all their hard work and understanding. In addition, we are blessed to receive such incredible support from Protyre, which enables us to promote the series and publicise the exploits of all the registered contenders – and all of this had contributed in attracting the biggest number of competitors, in a huge variety of cars, that the series has seen for many years. Add other innovations like the new Ford Escort Challenge and the growing number of event-by-event incentives and prizes, and 2020 was going to be a brilliant season. All that hard work will not go to waste, as we will transfer everything and more over to next year, to ensure the 2021 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship is even bigger and better.”
Shaun Chetwyn, Protyre Motorsport Manager, said: “With regard to the 2020 season, we fully support the decision taken by the BTRDA and agree that in light of these very difficult times that we are all having to endure, cancelling this year’s Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship was the correct and only option available. Protyre Motorsport would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved and pass on our very best wishes to you and your families and look forward to seeing you all at the opening round of 2021.”
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