The Australian Wildfires’ Effect on Motorsport

The devastating fires spreading across Australia have been all over the news and social media. As of writing this, at least 24 people have died, and thousands have been forced to evacuate.

Wildfires started in September, and were therefore present during various races last year.

However, they have since worsened drastically, and with the high-profile Bathurst 12 Hour scheduled to start on 31st January, which organisers have assured will go ahead, how will the fires affect Australian motorsport in 2020?

Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hours

The Supercars’ Bathurst 1000 took place in mid October, and despite having suffered severe droughts leading up to the event, no wildfires tainted the Great Race. Over the past couple of months, things have taken a dramatic turn for the worse though – Sydney is one of the worst-affected areas in Australia, with hundreds of blazes decimating nearby parks and woodlands.

The circuit is situated only 200km west of the city lies the town of Bathurst. Although no fires have been reported within Bathurst, the vast smoke caused by other blazes has completely engulfed the skies of Australia and neighbouring New Zealand. Transportation of cars and teams to Mount Panorama is concerning at best, and with the current air quality being amongst the worst in the world, fans might be urged to stay inside their homes unless something changes.

Despite this, the organisers have given the event the go ahead,

“Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour organisers can confirm that there is presently no impact on the event from the catastrophic New South Wales bushfires. As such, Australia’s International Endurance race will continue as planned on January 30-February 2 this year. At present there are no restrictions in accessing the Bathurst region from Sydney.”

“The event is monitoring the situation daily and is working with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council in order to remain apprised of current conditions.”

Even if teams were to make it to the circuit, visibility would be so poor that racing would become extremely treacherous. If the wildfires continue to spread across Australia at the current rates, the infamous Bathurst 12 Hour may not get the green light.

Foreign drivers have reportedly reached out for ways to support locals affected by the fires and organisers said they will be working closely with charitable partners. While Scott McLaughlin has auctioned his 2017 helmet and race suit.

The event is monitoring the situation daily and is working with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council in order to remain apprised of current conditions.

Any changes to the present situation will be communicated to key stakeholders, competitors, ticketholders and fans should the need arise.”

A statement composed by Motorsport Australia’s CEO Eugene Arocca reads:

“Motorsport Australia’s thoughts are with all those currently impacted by the severe bushfires across Australia… these regional communities are very close to our heart, given they play host to many motorsport events across all disciplines throughout the year.

As such, many of our affiliated clubs, members, officials and participants have been affected by these bushfires… in the coming days and weeks, we will work closely with our various stakeholders to determine how best we can assist those who have been impacted.” – Eugene Arocca.

Following on from the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance, the Supercars season of 2020 starts on 20th February at Adelaide, with a test session two days prior at the Tailem Bend. Sadly, the city of Adelaide is also struggling to combat the vicious fires, and so another key event in Australian motorsport is put into question.

Many of the circuits that the Supercars visit in 2020 are currently in areas surrounded by flames, such as Eastern Creek, Perth and Darwin. Thankfully, those events take place in the much cooler Australian winter, but after 2019’s record-breaking August temperatures, nothing can be presumed safe Down Under.

Australian Grand Prix

Elsewhere, the Formula One season is set to kick off on 13-15 March.

F1 has said it is “monitoring” the situation and is in constant contact with the organisers. The statement that the series makes by entering the country at such an environmentally conscious time will be tough publicity for Liberty Media.

Daniel Ricciardo has offered his Australian GP race suit, which he will sign, as part of the donations to those affected.

“Australia is suffering with some severe devastating bushfires. Anyone who is kind enough to donate, please do. There’s the Australian Red Cross and there’s WIRES wildlife rescue.

“I’m sure there’s a bunch more but these are two I’ve donated to, so please, if you can. My race suit I’ll race with at this year’s Australian Grand Prix. I’ll sign that and we’ll raffle that and all proceeds will go to those two charities as well.” – Daniel Ricciardo.

Motorsport does not take precedence over human lives and nature, so hopefully the fires will die down sooner rather than later in order for both to be saved.

To keep up to date with the Australian wildfires and their effects on motorsport, visit https://motorsport.org.au/.