Given that all the teams’ personnel will now have to go into self-isolation, for 14 days on arrival in New Zealand, it is inconceivable that the Hampton Downs Australian V8 Supercars event could possibly go ahead under the current New Zealand government decree.
Likewise, the Australian Government have also announced similar border restrictions on everyone entering the country. Consequently, all Supercars teams would then have to experience another 14-day isolation upon returning home from New Zealand.
The championship was forced to cancel the season-opening round in Melbourne over the weekend amid coronavirus fears, igniting a spread of panic amongst fans concerning the future of the season.
The development was immediately followed by the announcement that the Australian government will now be banning all unnecessary gatherings that exceed 500 people.
Consequently, the upcoming Tyrepower Tasmania Super400 scheduled for April 3-5 is highly likely to also be axed.
Similarly, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has also hinted at imposing regulations on unnecessary crowd gatherings. While no exact protocol was announced, the overseas criteria of 500-1000 is believed to be similar to what the government was considering.
Ultimately, the likelihood of New Zealand Supercars round now looks dire as teams are unlikely to risk the health of their crew and drivers, as well as experience mandatory two-week isolation.
Post the Melbourne cancellation, a number of teams acknowledged that the health of the crew members, drivers and fans was paramount amid these difficult circumstances.
While the Supercars commission has said they are seeking numerous alternatives to reshuffle the calendar, the likelihood of any races going ahead within the next two months is highly improbable.
The fan’s heightened excitement surrounding Supercars venturing to Hampton Downs next month is now almost certain to be no more.
