5 Nations BRX to race in the dark at season-ending rounds at Lydden
- Lydden Hill to host the final two events of 5 Nations BRX
- November event marks a first for the Kent track with racing under lights and a firework display
- Christmas comes early to the Home of Rallycross with festive-themed finale in late December
- Spectators, campers and activities permitted within Covid guidelines at the time of the event
The promoters of the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy Presented by Cooper Tires have announced new plans for the remainder of 2020 on the back of the enforced Covid restrictions that cancelled the rounds at Knockhill and Pembrey. The promoters have also agreed with Mondello Park to cancel the round scheduled for 14/15 November due to prevailing quarantine restrictions in Ireland.
Following discussions with the sport’s governing body Motorsport UK (MSUK), and after exhaustive consultation with the other rallycross circuits, MSUK has agreed that the championship may run solely at Lydden Hill for the 2020 titles during these unprecedented times.
November 7/8 will feature double-header rounds of all 5 Nations BRX championships, with the exception of GpB/4WD, which will be one round. Due to the earlier sunset, racing will run into the dark under floodlights on the Saturday evening. The day will conclude with a firework display before all classes again take to the track for round three on Sunday.
The season finale will take place the week before Christmas, on 19 December. The one-day event will conclude with a ‘Grand Prix’ style shoot out for the fastest overall drivers. Off track, the event will celebrate Christmas in style; on Friday evening a Santa’s Soapbox Race will take place, everyone is encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers, there’ll be Christmas fayre, themed areas, an appearance from Santa, and all manner of festive activities for the whole family.
Priority entries will be given to competitors who competed in the opening round at Lydden Hill over the August Bank Holiday weekend. However, entries will be limited to allow drivers adequate track time within the limited daylight hours.
Organisers have worked with MSUK and the local council to ensure that fans can make the most of the open space and natural amphitheatre that Lydden Hill offers. As it stands, spectators will be allowed at both events, subject to prevailing guidelines but once again tickets will be limited, and early online bookings are advised to avoid disappointment. Click here for tickets: https://bit.ly/3dmQAtA. Overnight camping will also be permitted for those looking at attending both days.
Hannah Rynston, 5 Nations BRX Co-ordinator:
“We are incredibly disappointed not to be able to complete our full 2020 race calendar across 5 Nations. As a result of the restrictions which forced the cancellation of those events we have been in discussion with other suitable rallycross circuits in the UK however there were none that could, or were prepared to, accommodate us.
“The overwhelming reaction from our competitors was that they want to race and were happy to see out the remainder of this year’s championship at Lydden Hill. Over these two final weekends our fantastic team will be working tirelessly to offer competitors and fans alike the very best in track action, but also off-track fun. We have the full support of Motorsport UK and our valuable sponsors and partners to try and salvage what has been a very difficult 2020 for everyone.”
Notes: Lydden Hill is a Covid-19 secure venue. There will be full Covid guidelines published in line with the local Covid alert level for Dover at the time of the event. Full track and trace system, social distancing and the rule of 6 apply, hand washing/sanitising will once again be available throughout the site, face masks remain mandatory in certain areas which will be clearly marked, with no indoor activities. The circuit has put in place additional food units to minimise queues, toilets will be open with restrictions, but showers will unfortunately remain closed. The paddock will be closed to spectators but there will be a walkway through to allow spectating from Paddock Bend. If the event is cancelled due to Covid-19 then refunds will be given.