Several state Governments have directed karting clubs and tracks to close their facilities to reduce the risk of Corona virus transmission.
The Federal Government’s recent directive that all social sporting-based activities should cease is being interpreted to various degrees of importance by the authorities and sporting bodies.
- VIC – In Victoria, the State Government has informed Karting Victoria that all kart tracks in the state are to close. “Go Kart Racing Clubs are one of the types of venues that have been ordered to close. There are severe penalties for non-compliance with these Directions. Fines of up to $1,000 can be imposed on individuals, and fines of $,5000 can be imposed on businesses.” – KV
- NSW – Karting NSW has done likewise, all its clubs and tracks are closed for racing and for private practice.
- SA – Following a State Karting Council meeting last night, all South Australian Karting Australia sanctioned tracks are closed to all karting activity until further notice – no racing, private practice or track hire. However, maintenance may continue providing appropriate social distancing is practiced. The decision will be reviewed on 16 April.
- TAS – After a state meeting on Wednesday night, karting within Tasmania has ceased. All race meetings are cancelled/postponed until June 30 and private practice is not available until May 1. If karters are found to be at a karting facility for private practice, all licensed persons at the track will have their license suspended for a period of up to twelve months.
- NT – The NT Government made the decision to close the Hidden Valley Motorsports complex to all activities.
- WA – We’ve seen nothing official from Karting WA, but a number of clubs have confirmed their tracks are now closed; eg Tiger (Wanneroo & Cockburn), Bunbury, Hurricane.
- QLD – Again, nothing official from Karting Qld, but Ipswich, Bundaberg, Cooloola Coast and Warwick have all confirmed their tracks are closed and locked for all activity.
No Karting Australia sanctioned events will take place until at least May 1st.
All AIDKA events have been cancelled until May 18. AIDKA has announced it plans to offer ‘financial relief’ to its current licence holders, but has not declared what that will be until the full impact of the virus is known.
If you belong to an independent track or club, check with them directly. But ask yourself, why are you heading out in the first place?