Hi everyone and apologies for the gap in communications. As you will have probably seen, the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly in the UK and Europe, so we have been working on a solution that allows BRKC 2021 to run safely under most conceivable scenarios.
This has been difficult, as the rules keep changing, but we think we’ve cracked it!
The full BRKC 2021 rules are currently being drawn up, but in the meantime, we’ve compiled some answers to your FAQs below:
Will BRKC 2021 be happening?
Yes – BRKC 2021 will be going ahead!
Barring any enforced closures, or substantial changes to government guidelines, this year’s event is a go.
When will entries open?
We are working on a simplified entry form this year, and hope to announce a launch date shortly. As per last year, the top seeded drivers from BRKC 2020 will be given the first opportunity to enter.
What’s different for BRKC 2021?
As much as possible, we’re trying to keep things the same so BRKC is as unmissable as ever. The format, prizes, close racing and superb broadcast are all key parts to BRKC which we plan on keeping this year.
The key changes are likely to be:
- SPECTATING
Spectators will not be permitted this year. Unfortunately there is no way to safely manage the number of non-drivers that would normally be able to mingle in our reception and viewing areas.Whilst this is not ideal, this one-off measure should reduce the risk sufficiently to allow BRKC 2021 to go ahead, and with Scruffybear’s excellent live broadcast, spectators will still be able to watch the action wherever they are.
In exceptional circumstances we may provide an area for essential visitors, but this will be by prior arrangement only.
- DRIVER FLOW
To manage capacity, we’ll be controlling access and introducing a one-way, zoned system through the venue. Each heat will arrive 30 mins in advance as normal.That ‘group’ of 10 drivers will have the upstairs area to themselves whilst waiting to go on track, whilst the current Heat is on circuit.
Drivers from finished heats will not return upstairs – to reduce congestion we’ll have an alternative exit point downstairs.
- DRIVER PREP
We’ll be asking drivers to arrive as ‘race ready’ as possible to avoid the need for changing or bringing kit to the venue.There will be a cloakroom accessible on entry & exit to the venue where drivers can leave any valuables.
Weighted seats will be left in a designated area for the whole weekend, and removed after your final race.
- SOCIAL DISTANCING
It should go without saying that social distancing and mask-wearing will be enforced at all times, and any of the usual interactions – interviews, podium ceremony and so on – will be conducted responsibly. We ask that all drivers follow the social distancing rules.
What will happen on BRKC Official Practice (Friday)?
This year, we’re planning on increasing practice sessions to 20 Minutes duration, with 10 drivers per session. These will run every half hour from 10:00 to 20:00.
You will have 1x practice session (now 20 mins!) included as part of your entry fee as normal. Additional sessions will be available online at a cost of £27.50pp.
We hope this will reduce numbers at the venue, as we aim to keep guest capacity below 30 at any one time. This will also closely mirror the procedures for the Saturday/Sunday.
What happens after the Heats & Semis?
As spectating will not be possible, we will be asking all drivers with a reasonable chance of making the Semi Finals or Finals to remain close to the venue, and watch for updates on the livestream, and via social media.
Return to the track at your allocated time – the staff member controlling access to the venue will then allow drivers upstairs as normal.
What are Formula Fast currently doing to be COVID-secure?
Formula Fast are open and running to COVID-secure guidelines every day – so we have plenty of experience running events safely under the current rules.
BRKC is a special case, but we’ll be taking all of our usual care and precautions to make sure everyone is kept safe, whilst hosting another amazing event. Check out Formula Fast’s page on COVID safety here.
Will there be food?
We do plan on offering catering throughout the weekend.
This is likely to be in a dedicated area outside the new building exit. We are finalising plans for this, but it may be possible to pre-book some limited seating areas (max group size: 6) throughout the weekend.
Snacks and drinks will also be available upstairs at our new café.
What if the COVID rules change?
These plans have been made based on the current and foreseeable rules around COVID-19.
The UK government may relax or tighten these rules, and we will always do our best to adapt the event to any changes. However, BRKC requires a huge amount of advance planning and organisation, and it is impossible to make any guarantees on the COVID situation before the weekend itself – especially as the government can impose new rules at short notice.
With this in mind, you enter and participate at your own risk.
What happens if the event is cancelled due to COVID-19?
If the worst happens and we need to cancel, we can credit drivers with an entry to the next event. Unfortunately we cannot be responsible for reimbursing drivers for any other costs relating to the event (travel, hotels etc), so these are booked at your own risk.
Our other cancellation Terms remain the same as always.
Refunds will also be possible in this situation, however we would be really grateful if you are able to support us and help keep the event (and Formula Fast) viable for the future by accepting an entry credit. This really makes a huge difference!
Anything new in the pipeline?
Some of you may have noticed some big changes to the venue following lockdown, which we’re thrilled to show you all. We now have:
- A brand new reception and café area
- Updated front entrance with COVID-secure access control
- Dedicated Sanitising equipment (medical grade Ozone cabinet) and sanitising stations
- Semi-permanent covered and heated outdoor awning area, overlooking the track
- Behind the scenes – additional storage and workshop capabilities (so we can make cool new features, better and faster!)
- Cosmetic and detailed track improvements
- Alpha Timing as our full-time events and timing system (so you’ll be able to see your integrated data even easier than before)
We are also finalising one big new upgrade, which we hope to announce in the coming weeks, which we think you’ll love…
Despite a challenging year for everyone, we can’t wait to host you all for BRKC 2021 and hope this will be one to remember.
We’ll be releasing more info soon, but in the meantime – stay safe.
Phil Stanley
Formula Fast Karting | Team BRKC
