ADVICE TO CLUBS AND VICTORIAN KARTING COMMUNITY – 24 SEPTEMBER 2021
New Restricted Activity Directions were issued today by the State Government for both Regional Victoria and for Restricted Areas along with Stay Safe Directions (Regional Victoria) and Stay at Home Directions (Restricted Areas). These Directions are in force until 21 October 2021.
ON TRACK ACTIVITY:
During the period these four Directions remain in force competition is prohibited in the State. This includes both Club Day racing and Open Meetings.
On track activities continue to be permitted but only for Clubs that are not in a Restricted Area with the same conditions as they are currently running. Specifically:
• Open for all ages for training purposes only;
• Resident of Restricted Areas are not permitted to attend a circuit in Regional Victoria;
• Spectators are not allowed;
• Drivers under the age of 18 may have one parent/guardian in attendance;
• Masks are mandatory inside and outside unless wearing helmet or an exemption applies;
• No shared equipment;
• Limited to the minimum number required to facilitate the activity;
• A COVID-19 Check-In Marshal must be in attendance as per Victorian Government requirements;
• Location checking must be carried out by the COVID-19 Check-in Marshal in accordance with State Government requirements.
Once 70% of the State’s population aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated there is a possibility that Social Karting Activities may be allowed for Oakleigh Go Kart Racing Club and Go Kart Club of Victoria, unless the Restricted Activity Directions (Restricted Areas) (No 17) override it.
CALENDAR:
Based on “Victoria’s Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan”, competition will only be allowed once 80% of the State’s population aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated. The projected date for this is a moving target. When the Roadmap was published on 20 September 2021 the projected date for this target to be reached was 5 November 2021. Unfortunately, the latest projection issued by the Victorian Department of Health on 23 September 2021 now has that date as no earlier than 11 November 2021 and as late as 16 November 2021. This date will continue to change as actual daily numbers replace the assumptions used in their modelling.
If the 80% target mentioned above is achieved by 16 November 2021, then there are only five weekends available on the Calendar with seven Open Meetings remaining to be run.
At a meeting this morning Karting Victoria decided to cancel all Open Meetings for the remainder of the year. This decision has not been taken lightly, but we believe it is the only one that provides certainty and delivers a fair outcome.
In arriving at this decision, one of the factors we took into consideration was the uncertainty facing competitors, clubs, and karting equipment suppliers which was creating doubt and an inability to make any concrete plans.
A significant factor in the decision to cancel those seven Open Meetings related to fairness and equity to all clubs. We are firmly of the opinion that, when State legislation allows it, all clubs deserve the opportunity to run race meetings to generate some desperately needed revenues rather than allowing just a few clubs to host Open Meetings.
When competition can start up again, we will open up all remaining weekends to be eligible for Club Day Racing. This does not mean that every club can hold a club day on every weekend. What this does mean is that clubs in close proximity to each other should collaborate to organise their Club Day Racing so as not to run concurrently. This will allow competitors to attend multiple Club Days increasing both participation rates and club revenues. Social Karting Activities will also be permitted during those weekends.
The Victorian Karting Presentation Night scheduled for 11 December 2021 has also been cancelled.
We fully understand this not an outcome that anyone wants, Karting Victoria included, but it is the fairest and most practical one in the circumstances. Karting Victoria’s disappointment as a result of making this decision is no less than that felt by all of the karting community.
Yours in Karting,
RUSSELL WHITE
Victorian State President
MESSAGE TO KARTING VICTORIA AND CLUBS
20 September 2021
Good Afternoon, Following yesterday’s announcement by the Premier of Victoria, please see below a summary of what the roadmap indicates for activities at your Club over the coming months.
REGIONAL (Other than Eastern Lions Kart Club)
There is no change to the previous advice, your Circuit is able to be open for Social Karting Activities based on the following requirements:
– Open for all ages for training purposes only
– The activity does not involve a participant who ordinarily resides in the Restricted Area
– Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
– Limited to minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity (i.e. Drivers, Coaches, Officials)
– Spectators not allowed (excludes people necessary for events such as Officials and one parent to supervise their children)
– Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies.
– COVID-19 Check-In Officers as per Victorian Government requirements
It is anticipated that Competition will be able to resume in November with limited numbers at your venue. Further information will be provided over the coming weeks and Karting Victoria will be working with Clubs on the scheduling of events as this is confirmed by the Government.
EASTERN LIONS KART CLUB
The recently announced Stay at Home Orders prohibit any activities being conducted at your Circuit. Once these Orders are lifted, it is expected that the requirements will be as per those mentioned above for other Regional Clubs. Karting Australia and Karting Victoria will confirm in due course.
GO-KART CLUB OF VICTORIA AND OAKLEIGH GO-KART RACING CLUB
The current Stay at Home Orders prohibit any activities being conducted at your Circuit. It is expected that in Social Karting Activities will be able to resume at your Circuit in late October.
The Roadmap published by the Victorian Government outlines the intention for Competition to be able to resume in November (inline with Regional Clubs) with limits on the maximum number of people allowed at your venue.
Confirmation on the dates for the ability to host Social Karting Activities (expected to be late October) and Competition (expected to be November) is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Should you have any questions Lee Hanatschek on 07 5655 4341 (email ) or Pam Arnett on 0409 334 175 ().
Best Regards and Stay Safe
Kelvin O’Reilly
Chief Executive Officer
In light of the current restriction of movement for many of Victorian and Interstate competitors due to the Covid situation . Its with disappointment that a decision had to be made to postpone the VCS Rd 4.
KV will monitor the situation in regards to re scheduling the event when possible.
Russell White
State President
13/09/2021
Bendigo Kart Club have updated their club personnel details for president and secretary.
10/09/2021
10th September 2021, Karting Australia message to Karting Victoria and regional clubs.
Good Afternoon,
Following the release of the Restricted Activity Directions (Regional Victoria) (No eight) by the Victorian Government overnight, please see below a clarifcation of what it means for the sport of karting in Regional Victoria.
Organised Social Karting Activities can resume at Regional Victorian Clubs, with the exception of in the Greater Shepparton region, as of today.
Following consultation with the Victorian Government, for the sport of karting participating in an Organised Social Karting Activity at a Karting Australia facility is classified as Training for a Driver, this is similar to individuals riding on a Cycling Club’s criterium circuit is classified as Training for a Cyclist.
Based on the below extract from the Restricted Activity Directions, Karting Australia advise of the following requirements for Regional Victorian Clubs, except for in the Greater Shepparton region.
• Open for all ages for training purposes only
• The activity does not involve a participant who ordinarily resides in the Restricted Area
• Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
• Limited to minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity (i.e. Drivers, Coaches, Officials)
• Spectators not allowed (excludes people necessary for events such as Officials and one parent to supervise their children)
• Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies.
• COVID-19 Check-In Officers as per Victorian Government requirements
At this stage, it is only Organised Social Karting Activities that is permitted – NO CLUB DAYS OR OTHER RACE MEETINGS are able to be held until further notice.
Following today’s announcement by the Premier of Victoria, please see below a summary of what it means for the sport of karting in Regional Victoria.
Social Karting Activities can resume at Regional Victorian Clubs, with the exception of in the Greater Shepparton region, as of Friday September 10 based on the following requirements:
• Open for all ages for training purposes only.
• Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
• Limited to minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity (i.e. players, coaches)
• Spectators not allowed (excludes people necessary for events such as officials and one parent to supervise their children)
• Maximum 300 people in attendance at the venue
• COVID-19 Marshalls and Check-In Officers as per previous advice and Victorian Government requirements
At this stage, it is only Social Karting Activities that is permitted – NO CLUB DAYS OR OTHER RACE MEETINGS are able to be held until further notice. Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies.
Should you have any questions Lee Hanatschek on 07 5655 4341 (email ) or Pam Arnett on 0409 334 175 ().
Best Regards and Stay Safe
Kelvin O’Reilly
Chief Executive Officer
Following the Premier’s press conference on Wednesday 31 August 2021 the latest Restricted Activity Directions and Stay at Home Directions have been published and the news is not good. Specifically, these are Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria)(No27) and Stay at Home Directions (Victoria)(No8)
WHAT WE KNOW:
1. The lockdown has been extended, for all of Victoria at this stage, to 23rd September or until the 70% target of at least one vaccination for all eligible Victorians has been met;
2. The immediate easing of Restrictions from 11:59pm on 2 September relates only to the opening of community playgrounds and in-home childcare for authorised workers;
3. The major proposed relaxed Restrictions to come into place on 23 September are: a. Extend travel radius from 5km to 10km b. Increase exercise time within that from 2hours to three hours; c. Increase in density rates on constructions sites to 50%; d. Outdoor personal training for two people plus the instructor.
4. The Premier alluded to Regional Victoria (except for Shepparton) being treated differently to Metropolitan Melbourne with further eased Restrictions for Regional Victoria from next week.
5. The curfew is not being lifted in Metropolitan Melbourne on 23 September.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW:
1. How long the Lockdown and Restrictions to be announced on 23 September will last;
2. When the Regional Victoria eased Restrictions will commence;
3. How far the Regional Victoria eased Restrictions will go in relation to community sport.
WHAT THIS MEANS:
1. As a result of these latest Restrictions, and the proposed changes to them on 23 September, Club Days and any intended Social Karting Activities are cancelled for Metropolitan Clubs until further notice;
2. Club days and Social Karting Activities for Regional Clubs are suspended until the Victorian Government announces what the eased Restrictions for Regional Victoria are going to be;
3. Depending upon the nature of those eased Restrictions for Regional Victoria, Club Days and Social Karting Activities will either be re-instated or cancelled in Regional Victoria. Any significant Restrictions still in place from 23 September that prevent free movement around the State may put in jeopardy the Victorian Country Series and Golden Power Series rounds in early and mid-October. We will address this situation once details of Restrictions beyond 23 September are known.
Regrettably, just like all of you, Karting Victoria is not in any position to change these circumstances. We can only abide by the requirements of the State Government and provide assistance and guidance to ensure Clubs are best informed about how to comply with these requirements. After the lockdowns of 2020 our sport proved itself to be resilient with a resurgence in entry numbers in both the Victorian Country Series and the Golden Power Series. During that time, club volunteers and club administration teams worked tirelessly under trying circumstances to ensure the best outcomes for the sport. We all did it then. We can all do it now. There will be an end to this, and we will undoubtedly appreciate our sport all the more when it does come to an end.
All social Karting and club days have been cancelled this weekend under the Government Instructions in regards to community sport.
Karting Victoria Covid update: 20th August 2021
In light of the escalating COVID issues facing all States, combined with the prevailing border restrictions, it has become necessary to make a decision on the calendar for the remainder of the 2021 year. There have been some significant meetings removed to be able to achieve a fair and equitable outcome for all clubs
The clubs impacted by the cancellation of meetings have been involved in discussions about that decision. To a fault these clubs have been generous in their support for the clubs who have not had the opportunity to hold an open meeting in 2020 and so far in 2021. The focus of VKA has been to ensure that all clubs are able to run an open meeting this year.
The VKA Executive extends thanks in particular to the Go Kart Club of Victoria and the Albury Wodonga Kart Club for their generosity, understanding, and their support of those clubs.
We truly hope this is the last revision that is required, but this virus can throw a curve ball with no notice. Therefore, VKA reserves the right to update the calendar if circumstances demand it.
The revised calendar is attached for your attention and will be published to the VKA website in due course.
Yours in karting,
VICTORIAN KARTING ASSOCIATION INC.
RUSSELL WHITE
President.
August 20th Updated calendar
September
11,12
Club Day Weekend
25, 26
Club Day Weekend
We suggest that there be collaboration between clubs, as there was in this similar situation in 2020, to maximise the opportunity for participation where clubs are geographically proximate
On behalf of the Wimmera Kart Racing Club it is with great disappointment that we have to announce that round 4 of the VCS at Horsham on September 4th & 5th has been postponed yet again due to Covid restrictions and we are unable to proceed with this date.
The rescheduled date for this event is now October 2nd and 3rd.
The Hamilton VCS round 5 that was originally scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd has now been moved to October 23rd and 24th.
Wimmera Kart Racing Club has been working closely with Karting Victoria and have made this decision collectively that it is unfair to our South Australian fellow competitors with restrictions to enter Victoria and for our Tasmanian friends and of course all our Melbourne competitors restricted with their movements that the only right thing to do is to call it early so competitors may cancel their accommodation and make other arrangements for that weekend.
On behalf of the Wimmera Kart Racing Club and Karting Victoria, STAY SAFE
Karting Victoria
18/08/2021
Club Day is set to go ahead for this weekend 21st/22nd of August at the Portland, Warrnambool and Wimmera Kart Clubs.
If you are able to go racing this weekend head to one of these clubs to support their Club Day.
Entries close 2 days prior to the meeting, download the Club Day Supp Regs from the Club Day page at kartingvic.net.au
Please check with these Club via their facebook pages for the latest updates on the meeting.
Please be aware of the latest COVID related restrictions from Karting Victoria and Karting Australia, also no spectators are currently allowed.
We are look forward to finally getting back to doing some racing this weekend at the Portland, Warrnambool and Wimmera Kart Clubs!
09/08/2021
News section has been updated with a release regarding the latest Victoria restriction changes.
Following today’s announcement by the Premier of Victoria, please see below a summary of what it means for the sport of karting in Victoria.
Social Karting Activities can resume at Regional Victorian Clubs as of tomorrow, Tuesday August 10 and Club Events can proceed as scheduled for this weekend based on the following requirements:
• Open for all ages, training and competition.
• Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
• Limited to minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the activity (i.e. players,
coaches)
• Spectators not allowed (excludes people necessary for events such as teachers, instructors, trainers,
coaches, umpires, carers, parents and guardians)
• Maximum 300 people in attendance at the venue
• COVID-19 Marshalls and Check-In Officers as per previous advice and Victorian
Government requirements
Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies.
Should you have any questions Lee Hanatschek on 07 5655 4341 (email ) or Pam Arnett on 0409 334 175 ().
Best Regards and Stay Safe
Kelvin O’Reilly
Chief Executive Officer
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