THE COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another sport with Premier Speedway making the difficult choice on Thursday morning to cancel its final three meetings of the 2019-20 season.
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The Allansford-based stadium was set to hold three meetings - the Victorian Wingless Sprints Titles on March 27, the Victorian 360 Sprintcar Titles the following night and the final night of the Easter Trail on April 12.
April 12 was also the last night for the club's track championship, which is currently led by Warrnambool ace James McFadden.
Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said a number of factors, discussed with government departments, Warrnambool City Council, Speedway Australia and key stakeholders, contributed to the club calling an early conclusion to is season.
The health and safety of club members, officials, drivers, pit crews and fans was a major part of the decision.
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The Federal Government's ban on outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people, the financial impact of no fans at meetings and the access to emergency services which ensure the safety of everyone at the track all played a part in the decision.
Mills said it was disappointing to finish the season early but the club needed to consider the bigger picture.
"We are like the rest of community at the moment and are feeling a bit hollow as something we love has been taken away form us," he said.
"The thing that most of the community is wrestling with is there is nothing tangible to see, like a bushfire you will see damage, but it is what it is and we have to act on government guidelines.
"We rely heavily on our amazing race fans to remain viable, pay prize money to our drivers who travel up and down road and if one of sources dries up it makes it very difficult to run."
Premier Speedway ran its ninth sprintcar race of the track championship last week with the penultimate round of the SRA series.
Mills said the night, which was won by McFadden, had a significant impact on the club and set the wheels in motion for Thursday's decision.
He said the club would look at preparing to return stronger and better than ever for the 2020-21 season.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
