Note from WDCR Region Chairman on COVID-19
Note from Washington DC Region Chairman and Region Executive:
Fellow Members
In keeping with our mission to fuel a safe, fun, and exciting motorsports experience for auto enthusiasts, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions. Washington DC Region leadership is monitoring and continually assessing the COVID-19 (coronavirus) developments within our community. In that process the decision was made to suspend the current schedule for our Competition Driver Licensing School 21-22 March 2020.
It is also our objective to look at all of our activities and evaluate the exposure and risk at this time. In any case, we will operate in the best interest of our membership and those around us.
We are directing our Program Chairmen and leaders to review the current schedules and assess each activity thoroughly in the current climate of developing cases and spreading exposures. We have a very wide geographic influence of which we must be continually cognizant.
Under the current states of emergency, national, state, and local, the most common local mandate that could affect SCCA events is a limitation on gathering size, many of these mandates may be specific to indoor activities.
While all members are welcome at Club events, SCCA leadership asks that anyone aware of exposure or who does not feel well or shows signs of fever please abstain from attending events. Additionally, SCCA leadership advises Club members to analyze each individual situation and make their own decisions on whether or not to participate in any given SCCA activity.
For those who are operating events, SCCA leadership advises that a proactive approach be taken, and additional measures be deployed to minimize the spread of any viruses. Those measures include but are not limited to:
High-traffic worker positions (registration, waivers, etc.) should be issued nitrile gloves (preferred over latex due to allergies)
Equipment with high-contact rates (radios, headsets, clipboards, etc.) should be sanitized before and between uses when they are shared.
Events where loaner helmets are provided, balaclavas (head socks) and disinfectant spray should be provided and in use pre and post use.
Any driver’s meetings normally held indoors should be conducted outside wherever possible.
Minimize direct, physical contact between event attendees as much as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, event social functions.
Experts have repeatedly stated that the best defense is to practice good personal hygiene, with regular hand washing being highly effective at preventing the spread of viruses.
From SCCA Topeka Office
Just released: 13 March 18:00 Hrs.
Based on the latest updates regarding COVID-19, the current environment regarding public events and declaration of a national emergency, the SCCA is suspending the following events across the remainder of March:
SCCA Track Night in America
March 19, Carolina Motorsports Park
March 19, Thunderhill Raceway
March 24, Memphis International Raceway
SCCA Solo National Events:
March 20, ProSolo at zMAX Dragway
March 27, ProSolo at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
SCCA Starting Line Schools:
March 21, Portland International Raceway
March 28, Heartland Motorsports Park
SCCA Time Trials National Tour
March 28, Auto Club Speedway
Respective program leaders will be following up with all participants registered for these events to work through the appropriate process in support of providing any credits and/or refunds.
As you know, things are moving quickly with this coronavirus outbreak. In the coming days, SCCA Leadership will continue closely monitoring the CDC and official national recommendations to help determine any ongoing impacts to our event schedule based on further updates and/or restrictions imposed.
Concurrently, Region Leaders are working diligently to follow local governance with regard to any updates/restrictions on gatherings and take appropriate action as needed for Regional events.
We appreciate your continued support as we work together through this challenge as One Team, and we look forward to seeing you on course or on track again soon.
Be safe,
Michael E. CobbPresident/CEO
Sports Car Club of America