The iconic Ashley Forest Rallysprint is yet another victim of the current Covid-19 Delta outbreak that has hit New Zealand. The annual event, held in North Canterbury, that attracts entries from all over New Zealand was to be run on the weekend 17-18 September 2021 by the local Ratec Motorsport club.
“The associated ‘Lockdown’ across the nation has hampered the clubs ability to organise safety infrastructure on site and prepare the venue,” commented club President James Hunter.
As it is necessary to run the event at lockdown Level 1, which would enable an unencumbered event to take place with full car crews and spectators, organisers are not confident of the what the immediate future will bring.
“In taking this decision, the committee is also mindful of competitors not from Canterbury who need to plan ferry crossings, flights and accommodation,” continued Hunter. “We have considered an alternative date, however due to other motorsport events within Canterbury and the wider community during the same period, it was felt this was not a realistic option.”
The Ratec Motorsport club will now focus on other events programed for the rest of the season, including the Banks Peninsular Hill Climb series (16-17 October), the Hawkswood Sealed Sprint (6-7 November) and the Gebbies Pass Hillclimb (5 December) which has already had a date change due to the current lockdown.
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