Sidecar Motocross World Championship cancelled but Desertmartin planning ahead for 2021

The news everyone expected but didn’t want to hear was announced last week as the 2020 Sidecar Motocross World Championship was cancelled.
No Grand Prix racing this season for Gary Moulds and Lewis Gray.No Grand Prix racing this season for Gary Moulds and Lewis Gray.
No Grand Prix racing this season for Gary Moulds and Lewis Gray.

A statement issued by the FIM and the promoter Apo Multimedia said the decision had been taken due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It read: ‘The FIM and the promoter Apo Multimedia regret to announce the cancellation of the 2020 FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship.

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‘In making this difficult decision, careful consideration was given to the fact that a vast majority of the events on the 2020 calendar had already been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic and that there is no guarantee that it even would be possible to run the few remaining events still scheduled on the calendar. Rather than wait and leave everybody in uncertainty, both parties agreed to focus on 2021 and to start preparing for the next season’.

It is still all systems go for the 2021 Grand Prix at Desertmartin.It is still all systems go for the 2021 Grand Prix at Desertmartin.
It is still all systems go for the 2021 Grand Prix at Desertmartin.

Mr Martin Bena, CEO Apo Multimedia, added: “Our amazing sport depends on spectator support track-side, both for the atmosphere, and as a revenue stream. Without a guaranteed number of spectators through the gates, the risks for organisers in financial terms are high, and therefore it is unfair to ask them to put their necks on the line in these uncertain times.

“From a rider perspective, with the differing rules in place from country to country, there is also an unfair training and practice situation, so certain teams will be more prepared than others.”

Lisburn’s Gary Moulds, who had planned to compete in the World Championships with new passenger for 2020, Englishman Lewis Gray, is disappointed not to be racing this year but understands the decision.

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“They made the right decision. Your health is always more important than racing motorbikes at the end of the day,” said Moulds.

“The 24 year-old, who finished eighth at the 2019 French Grand Prix behind World Champions Etienne Bax and Kaspars Stupelis, ended the season in 21st position after the final round in Germany added.

“In a way I’m happy enough because coming from Northern Ireland it’s hard enough traveling to all the European GPs without having to deal with a pandemic as well,” he added.

“Thankfully I am lucky to have great sponsors who have stuck with me through the Covid-19 issues and hopefully we can go forward in to 2021 together because I am more motivated than ever to get racing next year.”

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Meanwhile, next year will also be a special year for Grand Prix Sidecar Motocross in Northern Ireland as the North Armagh club is still pressing on with preparations for their round of the championship to be run at Desertmartin July 23rd and 24th.

On behalf of the organisers, Malcolm Beattie told the News Letter that the North Armagh club along with the MRA are working hard towards the event next July.

He said: “As far as we are concerned the Grand Prix will take place and we are looking forward to working together with all parties to make it an event to remember.”

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