During the 2020 season Gest Hastings MCC were one of the ACU Motocross clubs in the South East of the Country that ran a number of events during the end part of the season. Jason Thorpe and the Gest Hastings MCC club were one of the first club to return to action with a number of practice days followed by a 7-round championship.
Having hosted a number of events during 2020, how did the Clubs find staging of events during the Covid restrictions?
Yes, we managed to run a number of practice days to start with then we run a 7 round championship, but it would of been 8 if it wasn’t for the rain that caused us to cancel a round.
Can you give us a brief overview of some of the measures that you had to put in place to allow the events to take place successfully?
We had to change a number of things. There was no on the day entries or signing on desk with the riders getting signed in as they entered the event. The way we ran the races had to be changed to reduce numbers at the waiting area. What we did find is the new measures that we put in place made the day run much smoother so we have decided that we will be keeping them going forward.
How did you find using the ACU Covid-19 Risk Assessment Template and the support from the ACU and methods required to run these events?
It was ok but there were a few parts that need fine tuning and maybe slightly different for club level.
How was your local authorities’ reaction to your events and were they supportive?
We had no problems from our local authorities once we had submitted all the relevant information like risk assessment etc.
After running your first events did you find any additional measures and changes that you needed to put in place prior to the remaining events?
We put a lot of time into forward planning and then running the practice events first gave us a better understanding on how to run a full race meeting. It made it easier having good club members.
Is there any advice or guidance that you would give to any other ACU clubs looking to run events during these Covid-19 times?
Forward plan and make sure you think of everything. It’s hard work to start but will soon feel like the norm and become second nature.
Finally, as a club what plans do you have for running events during the 2021 season?
We have set out our 12-round championship with a few reserve rounds later in the year. Fingers crossed we can get going in April and things improve.
Following the season, the club manage to arrange for the Championship trophies to be delivered to the wins so that they received them in time for Christmas as they we unable to hold there annual Club Presentation Evening.