Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway has suspended future events until further notice in the wake of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

Two COVID-19 confirmed cases in local health district

Promoter David Lander was left with no alternative after the Australian Government's move to curtail all public events attracting 500 people or more from today.

The only other option the Morrison government issued was sporting events conducted without spectators which for the speedway industry is not possible.

Lander decided on Sunday to cancel the March 28 meeting as a precaution even before the Federal Government's public entertainment ban was put in place later that day.

“We have to abide by the Government's decision to ban all pubic events that attracts over 500 people. Just how long this ban will remain in place is not known at the moment. This Corona Virus pandemic changes by the day, so we will be monitoring the situation closely in coming weeks," Lander said.

“I would hope I can conduct the remaining meetings after March for our season, but right now there is no guarantee that will happen.

“I also have to consider the welfare of not only the public but, competitors, pit crews and all our people who work at our track and are involved with the running of a race meeting.”

The suspension of racing will remain in place until the Federal Government determines the spread of the virus has been contained and is no longer a health risk to the community.

Meanwhile, Lander is well advanced in his planning for next season, and will promote events at Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway for the 2020-21 term, which is it hoped by then the World Health Organisation will have stopped the spread of the coronavirus.

More than 153,000 people have been confirmed to have the coronavirus globally, according to the World Health Organisation. The number of dead has risen to more than 6,500 people, according to an estimate from John Hopkins University. 

ARTICLE BY DENNIS NEWLYN