|BRKC 2022 Survey Closes…

As organisers of a large international competition we have a duty of care to our guests and crew. We have to assess the potential risks of COVID-19, balance these against control measures, and keep people safe without diminishing the event (or making it impossible to operate).

Vaccinations are the most effective way to stop the spread and impact of COVID. For this reason, we are continuing to advise all visitors and crew to be up-to-date with their COVID vaccines/boosters. This means it is far easier for us to run the event in a normal way.

We have always planned to offer lateral flow test options to those who (for whatever reason) cannot provide proof of vaccination. A negative test on each day of BRKC week reduces the potential of COVID spread. The data you provided allows us to prepare additional staffing, time and resources needed to manage this.

‘COVID Pass’ vaccination rules also have the potential to become more strict in England. Your data allows us to prepare and communicate changes to anyone effected.

This year is very different to 2021, as there are less safety reasons but more operational/business reasons getting in the way of a January event.

We are currently operating our circuit at close to normal conditions, with mandatory mask wearing, as per government guidance for England. Thankfully, Omicron also appears to be less severe. With a full grid and staff, BRKC could indeed take place in January (with some additional COVID measures).

However, it is impossible to ignore the facts: COVID cases are extremely high (and still rising) and isolation is still mandatory for at least 7 days. This means that large numbers of competitors and staff are likely to be isolating in late January. Simply put: Formula Fast can’t afford to run BRKC without a full grid, and BRKC cannot go ahead at all without adequate staffing.

It also unfair to expect a large number of unlucky entrants to forfeit their entry fee due to the unprecedented COVID situation. We do not want to create conditions where drivers or crew may consider bending isolation rules, for the sake of pushing ahead with a January event. This would put everyone at unnecessary risk and make the situation worse.

As a result, we are postponing the event to a date that the majority can attend, when the COVID situation and measures are likely to be less of a problem.

We considered a range of dates for postponement. April 8-10th 2022 is the most suitable date as it ticks boxes in the following categories:

• Good availability in the Formula Fast calendar
• Good Staff availability
• Good Camera crew availability
• Minimum number of clashes with UK and European race events
• Likelihood of reduced COVID cases
• Likelihood of reduced COVID restrictions
• Suitable distance from original date (and to BRKC 2023)

All dates before and after this point ticked less boxes than April 8-10th 2022. We understand that this date might not be perfect or suitable for some – but it is the best option under these criteria.

We aimed for a minimum 80% positive responses (from current entrants) for us to confirm the April 8-10th 2022 date.

The positive responses exceeded that threshold.

We are pleased to say we can confirm April 8-10th 2022 as the new postponed date for BRKC 2022!